finding the theme grade 7. what is the theme? theme = what the writer wants the reader to remember...

Finding the ThemeFinding the Theme

Grade 7Grade 7

What is the Theme?What is the Theme?

Theme = what the writer wants the Theme = what the writer wants the reader to reader to rememberremember the most.the most.

The theme is the underlying idea or The theme is the underlying idea or message, the lessonmessage, the lesson of the work. of the work.

Themes are always Themes are always universaluniversal, , timelesstimeless and and cross culturescross cultures..

Why is Finding the Why is Finding the Theme Important?Theme Important?

Themes help the reader remember Themes help the reader remember importantimportant ideas in the reading. ideas in the reading.

Themes help the reader understand the Themes help the reader understand the messagemessage of the story. of the story.

Themes help us understand our own life Themes help us understand our own life better. Themes can sometimes change our better. Themes can sometimes change our view of the world.view of the world.

Identifying the ThemeIdentifying the Theme

Use this process to identify the theme:Use this process to identify the theme:

– Find the “big ideas” or central topics in the Find the “big ideas” or central topics in the reading.reading.

– Find out what the characters do and say Find out what the characters do and say that relates to the central topics.that relates to the central topics.

– State what the author says about life that State what the author says about life that relates to the central topics.relates to the central topics.

Step 1Step 1

Find the “big ideas” or general topics in Find the “big ideas” or general topics in the work.the work.– The author’s themes always relate to the The author’s themes always relate to the

topic.topic.– Try to learn about the “big ideas” as you Try to learn about the “big ideas” as you

preview the reading.preview the reading.Try finding a clue in the title, the first paragraph Try finding a clue in the title, the first paragraph

or in illustrations.or in illustrations.Consider common themes for middle school.Consider common themes for middle school.

– As you read, remember to think about the As you read, remember to think about the underlying idea or underlying idea or messagemessage of the work. of the work.

Common ThemesCommon ThemesAccepting othersAccepting others IndividualitIndividualit

yySuccessSuccess

IdentityIdentity Life Life LessonsLessons

Taking a StandTaking a Stand

Courage to Speak Courage to Speak OutOut

OstracismOstracism The Big TrickThe Big Trick

Courage to Try Courage to Try New ThingsNew Things

OvercominOvercoming g challengeschallenges

ToleranceTolerance

DeterminationDetermination Peer Peer pressurepressure

Self-Self-improvementimprovement

GuiltGuilt PrejudicePrejudice Social JusticeSocial Justice

IntegrityIntegrity Self - Self - reliancereliance

ViolenceViolence

Step 2Step 2

As you read, watch for details that relateAs you read, watch for details that relate

to the general topics you’ve identified. to the general topics you’ve identified.

They are the clues to understanding theThey are the clues to understanding the

themes.themes. Clues might be found in:Clues might be found in:

– Repeated words or ideasRepeated words or ideas– Symbols / ImagesSymbols / Images– Important events or dialogueImportant events or dialogue– Changes in charactersChanges in characters

Step 3Step 3 Create a statement of the author’s point Create a statement of the author’s point

or message about the topic. Use the or message about the topic. Use the following graphic organizer and this following graphic organizer and this sentence frame to help you:sentence frame to help you:

Theme word, verb, Theme word, verb, descriptiondescription

Here are some examples:Here are some examples:– Peer pressure can cause destruction.Peer pressure can cause destruction.– Tolerance can lead to friendship.Tolerance can lead to friendship.– Overcoming challenges is common to all Overcoming challenges is common to all

people.people.

Big Idea

Repeated words; figurative language; important events; changes in characters

Theme word / Verb / Description

Theme Graphic Organizer

What Is Important to Learn /Author’s Message

The Fox and the LionThe Fox and the Lion

WHEN A FOX who had never yet seen a WHEN A FOX who had never yet seen a Lion, came across him by chance for the Lion, came across him by chance for the first time in the forest, he was so first time in the forest, he was so frightened that he nearly died with fear. frightened that he nearly died with fear. On meeting him for the second time, he On meeting him for the second time, he was still much alarmed, but not to the was still much alarmed, but not to the same extent as at first. On seeing him same extent as at first. On seeing him the third time, he so increased in the third time, he so increased in boldness that he went up to him and boldness that he went up to him and commenced a familiar conversation with commenced a familiar conversation with him. him.


Step 1 Step 1 – Consider common themesConsider common themes– As you read, remember to think about the As you read, remember to think about the

underlying idea or underlying idea or messagemessage of the work. of the work.

This fable’s message is about This fable’s message is about acceptingaccepting

others, a common theme.others, a common theme.

The Fox and the LionThe Fox and the Lion Step 2Step 2

– Watch for details that relate to the general topics Watch for details that relate to the general topics you’ve identified.you’ve identified.

– Consider important events and changes in characters.Consider important events and changes in characters.

In this fable, each time the fox met the In this fable, each time the fox met the lion,lion,

he became less afraid and was he became less afraid and was eventuallyeventually

able to begin a conversation with the able to begin a conversation with the lion.lion.


Step 3Step 3 Create a statement of the author’s Create a statement of the author’s

point or message about the topic. point or message about the topic. Use the following graphic organizer Use the following graphic organizer and this sentence frame to help you:and this sentence frame to help you:

Theme words, verb, Theme words, verb, descriptiondescription

Big Idea



Accepting others is easier once you are not afraid.



The fox was fearful when he first saw the lion.

Seeing the lion again, the fox was less fearful.

Seeing the lion for the third time, the fox was no longer afraid and began a conversation with the lion.

““Acceptance”Acceptance”

Providing EvidenceProviding Evidence

Sometimes you will be able to Sometimes you will be able to provide provide evidenceevidence that you have that you have chosen an appropriate theme. chosen an appropriate theme.

Usually, you will need to provide Usually, you will need to provide twotwo pieces of evidence from the story or pieces of evidence from the story or poem that support a theme.poem that support a theme.

Providing EvidenceProviding Evidence

One theme for “The Fox and the Lion” is:One theme for “The Fox and the Lion” is:

– Accepting others is easier once you are not afraid.

Where is the evidence to support this Where is the evidence to support this theme?theme?

– In your GRAPHIC ORGANIZER!In your GRAPHIC ORGANIZER!

Big Idea

Repeated words; images; important events; changes in characters


Accepting others is easier once you are not afraid.



The fox was fearful when he first saw the lion.

Seeing the lion again, the fox was less fearful.

Seeing the lion for the third time, the fox was no longer afraid and began a conversation with the lion.

““Acceptance”Acceptance”

Look for your evidence in what the characters do and say.Evidence:

1. The fox was afraid the first time he was the lion.

2. The next two times the fox saw the lion he was less afraid and began to talk with him.

Running ShoesRunning Shoes – Step – Step 11

– Consider common themesConsider common themes– As you read, remember to think about the As you read, remember to think about the


This story’s message is about This story’s message is about overcomingovercoming

challenges and determination, challenges and determination, commoncommon

themes.themes.

Running ShoesRunning Shoes – Step 2 – Step 2

– Watch for details that relate to the general topics Watch for details that relate to the general topics you’ve identified.you’ve identified.

– Repeated words or ideasRepeated words or ideas– SymbolsSymbols– Important events or dialogueImportant events or dialogue– Changes in charactersChanges in characters

In this story, Sophy is given a pair of shoes so In this story, Sophy is given a pair of shoes so thatthat

she can go a school that only boys attend, eight she can go a school that only boys attend, eight kilometerskilometers

from her home. She wants to learn how to read from her home. She wants to learn how to read andand

write.write.

Running ShoesRunning Shoes – Step 3 – Step 3

Create a statement of the author’s Create a statement of the author’s point or message about the topic. point or message about the topic. Use the following graphic organizer Use the following graphic organizer and this sentence frame to help you:and this sentence frame to help you:

Theme word, verb, Theme word, verb, descriptiondescription

Big Idea



Overcoming challenges can allow you to reach your goals in life.



“ “Overcoming challenges”

Sophy was given a pair of running shoes by a man who counted the number of people in remote villages in Cambodia.

Each day Sophy ran eight kilometers back and forth to school so she could learn to read and write.

A year later, the same man came to the village. Sophy thanked him by writing a note in the clay by the river. She also told him that she would like to be a teacher.

Remember to look for your evidence in what the characters do and say!

Big Idea



Determination makes even difficult things achievable.



““Determination”

Sophy ran eight kilometers each way to school each day. The boys teased her because she was the only girl in the school.

Sophy learned to read and write, thanked the man who gave her the shoes so she could go to school and shared that she wanted to become a teacher.

Remember to look for your evidence in what the characters do and say!

Sophy lived in a remote Cambodian village with no hospital or school. Her father died because he could not see a doctor.

We DoWe Do

Answer the following question Answer the following question using your completed graphic using your completed graphic organizer:organizer:

What is the theme of the story? What is the theme of the story? Support your answer with Support your answer with one one example from the story. example from the story.

Possible AnswerPossible Answer

What is the theme of the story? What is the theme of the story? Support your answer with Support your answer with one one example from the story. example from the story.

The theme of Running Shoes is determination makes even difficult things achievable. One example is Sophy ran eight kilometers each way to school each day.

You DoYou Do

Read “The Sound of Annie’s Silence”Read “The Sound of Annie’s Silence” Complete the Theme Graphic Complete the Theme Graphic

Organizer.Organizer. Answer the following question using Answer the following question using

your completed graphic organizer:your completed graphic organizer: What is the theme of the story? What is the theme of the story? Support your answer with Support your answer with one one example from the story. example from the story.

You Do Possible AnswerYou Do Possible Answer

The theme of “The Sound of Annie’s The theme of “The Sound of Annie’s Silence” is that accepting others Silence” is that accepting others allows you to become a happier allows you to become a happier person. One example is when the person. One example is when the babysitter throws her arms around babysitter throws her arms around Annie and gives her a hug.Annie and gives her a hug.

YOU SHOWYOU SHOW

Read “A Mouthful”Read “A Mouthful” Complete the Theme Graphic Organizer.Complete the Theme Graphic Organizer. Answer the following question using Answer the following question using

your completed graphic organizer:your completed graphic organizer:

What is the theme of the What is the theme of the story? Support your answer story? Support your answer with with one one example from the example from the story. story.

Theme in PoetryTheme in Poetry

The theme of a poem can be found in The theme of a poem can be found in the the statementstatement the poem (or poet) the poem (or poet) makes about its makes about its subjectsubject..

You can use the same three steps to You can use the same three steps to find the theme in a poem.find the theme in a poem.

““No Difference”No Difference”Shel SilversteinShel Silverstein

Small as a peanut,Small as a peanut,Big as a giant,Big as a giant,We’re all the same sizeWe’re all the same sizeWhen we turn off the When we turn off the

light.light.

Rich as a sultan,Rich as a sultan,Poor as a mite,Poor as a mite,We’re all worth the We’re all worth the

same same When we turn off the When we turn off the

light.light.

Red, black or orange,Red, black or orange,Yellow or white,Yellow or white,We all look the sameWe all look the sameWhen we turn off the When we turn off the

light.light.

So maybe the way So maybe the way To make everything To make everything

rightrightIs for someone to just Is for someone to just

reach outreach outAnd turn off the lightAnd turn off the light!!

Step 1Step 1 Preview the Preview the titletitle – an important clue may be – an important clue may be

found there!found there! Consider common themesConsider common themes As you read, remember to think about the As you read, remember to think about the


This poem’s message is about This poem’s message is about tolerance tolerance ofof

others, a common theme. The title, others, a common theme. The title, “No“No

Difference,” gave an important clue.Difference,” gave an important clue.

Step 2Step 2 Watch for details that relate to the general topics you’ve Watch for details that relate to the general topics you’ve

identified.identified. Clues might be found in:Clues might be found in:

– Repeated words or ideasRepeated words or ideas– Symbols / ImagerySymbols / Imagery– Important events or dialogueImportant events or dialogue– Changes in charactersChanges in characters

In this poem, the In this poem, the repeated phraserepeated phrase (with (with variation)variation)

We’re all the same sizeWe’re all the same size

When we turn off the light.When we turn off the light.

is a clue as to the poem’s message and is a clue as to the poem’s message and theme.theme.

Step 3Step 3

Create a statement of the author’s Create a statement of the author’s point or message about the topic. point or message about the topic. Use the following graphic organizer Use the following graphic organizer and this sentence frame to help you:and this sentence frame to help you:

Theme word(s), verb, Theme word(s), verb, descriptiondescription

zBig Idea

Action:

Is for someone to just reach outAnd turn off the light!




Tolerance of others is only logical when you realize that we are all the same.

Repeated words:

We’re all the same sizeWhen we turn off the light.

Similes:

Small as a peanut,Big as a giant,

“Tolerance”

Title:

“No Difference”

Wishing WellWishing Wellhttp://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com/http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com/

With fingers tracing the With fingers tracing the cold stone,cold stone,

I look down, down,I look down, down,into the dark.into the dark.I cannot see the waterI cannot see the waterat the bottom, though I at the bottom, though I

knowknowit is there.it is there.

I close my eyes,I close my eyes,make a wish andmake a wish andthrow.throw.I don't open themI don't open themUntilUntilI hear the splash.I hear the splash.

I dig my hand intoI dig my hand intomy pocket,my pocket,pulling another pennypulling another pennyfrom the loose change,from the loose change,waiting for the wellwaiting for the wellto swallow my coinsto swallow my coinsand grant my wishes.and grant my wishes.

Big Idea

Action:

The poet reaches into their pocket for another penny to wish again.

Repeated words; images; figurative language; important events; changes in characters



Wishing alone cannot make dreams come true.

“Wishing”

Title:

“Wishing Well”

Background knowledge – people make a wish before throwing a penny into the well.

Images:

fingers tracing the cold stone,

hear the splash

Images:

dig my hand intomy pocket

Swallow my coins

For Fun …For Fun …

Both Sophy in Running Shoes and the Both Sophy in Running Shoes and the poet wished for something in their life. poet wished for something in their life.

Why was Sophy able to make her wish Why was Sophy able to make her wish come true? come true?

Do you believe the poet will make Do you believe the poet will make his / her wish come true? his / her wish come true?

Provide evidence to support your Provide evidence to support your thinking.thinking.

Theme QuestionsTheme Questions

Any of these titles could be another title Any of these titles could be another title forfor

the story/selection/poem. Choose the titlethe story/selection/poem. Choose the titleyou think best fits the selection.you think best fits the selection.

(title)(title) (title)(title) (title)(title)

Provide Provide twotwo details from the details from the story/selection/poemstory/selection/poem

to support your choice. to support your choice.

More Theme QuestionsMore Theme Questions

What is the theme of the story/selection/ What is the theme of the story/selection/ poem?poem?

The story/selection/poem shows (theme). The story/selection/poem shows (theme). Provide Provide twotwo details from the story/selection/ details from the story/selection/ poem that support this idea. poem that support this idea.

What is the theme of the story/ selection/ What is the theme of the story/ selection/ poem? Support your answer with poem? Support your answer with one one example from the story/selection/poem. example from the story/selection/poem.

finding the theme grade 7. what is the theme? theme = what the writer wants the reader to remember...

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