Finding Theme in Stories
Learning Objective
I can determine a theme of a story from details in the text.
Key Concepts
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 Questions
This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. The video explains that a theme is NOT the same as which of the following?
2. Explain how asking questions about characters' actions and changes can help you identify a story's theme.
3. Based on the story of Anansi, suggest another possible theme besides 'anyone can have a good idea' or 'wisdom is inside all of us'. Explain how details from the story support your suggested theme.
Educational Video
Understanding theme | Reading | Khan Academy
Khan Academy