Which of the following best describes the difference between a theme and a summary?

A theme is a universal message or lesson, while a summary is a brief overview of the story's events.

In the story of Anansi, the spider, how did Anansi's son, Ntikuma, contribute to the spreading of wisdom?

Ntikuma suggested that Anansi tie the pot of wisdom to his back, which led to the pot breaking and spreading wisdom to the world.

Based on the video, list three questions you can ask yourself to help identify the theme of a story.

Possible answers: What did the characters learn? How did the characters grow and change? Why did characters act the way they acted? What's different at the end of the story? What stays with you after the story is over?

Finding the Theme

5th GradeELA20 min

Learning Objective

I can identify the theme of a story.

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 it is different from the main idea or plot.
•
Themes are universal, meaning anyone can relate to them, and can often be discovered by asking big questions about the characters and their actions.
•
In the story of Anansi, a theme could be that anyone can have a good idea or that wisdom is inside all of us.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“What is a possible theme of the story about Anansi and the pot of wisdom?”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
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Finding the Theme

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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