Discovering Theme
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can determine a theme of a story, poem, or drama from details in the text.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Khan Academy · 6:18Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
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.
- 2
The theme of the story about Anansi could be that anyone can have a good idea or that wisdom is inside all of us.
- 3
To help uncover the theme of a story, ask yourself: What did the characters learn? How did they grow and change? Why did the characters act the way they did?
Part 3 of 4
Practice
7 questions
What is a theme of a story?
How is a theme different from the main idea of a story?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Complete pg. 130 in your binder. You will choose a theme for "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" and "Dog".”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson