Finding Theme in Stories

5th GradeELA25 min

aligned to Ccss Ccss.ela-literacy.rl.5.2

Learning Objective

I can determine a theme of a story from details in the text.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

7 min

Understanding theme | Reading | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Guided Notes

5 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • A theme is an important idea that is woven throughout a story and links a big idea about our world with the action of a text.

  • The theme of the story of Anansi the spider could be that anyone can have a good idea or wisdom is inside all of us.

  • To discover the theme, ask yourself: What did the characters learn? How did they grow and change? Why did the characters act the way they did?

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

What is a possible theme of the story about Anansi the spider? Explain your answer using details from the story.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts