1. What it is And What it isn’t
Theme
What it is
And
What it isn’t

2. What is a theme?
The theme IS the stories BIG idea, it transcends time.
The theme IS the lesson learned or the moral.
The theme IS the message the author wants you to leave the story with.
The theme IS the central or universal message of the story.
The theme IS the emotional feeling you are left with at the end of the story.

3. What the theme isn't? The theme is NOT a single detail of the story.
The theme is NOT specific to just one character. It must include all of the characters.
The theme is NOT the subject of the story.
Themes are NOT stated in the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.

4. Duplicate this in your Reading section of your 3-subject Notebook
Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____
What it is
What it is not
Examples
Non-Examples
Theme
Duplicate this in your Reading section of your 3-subject Notebook

5. Theme What it is What it is not Examples Non-Examples
Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____
Examples
Non-Examples
What it is
It is the big idea in the story, it transcends time.
Emotional reaction that you leave with
It is the lesson learned, morals
Author’s message
Central or universal message
What it is not
Not usually stated in the text
Not the subject of the text
Not a detail
Not specific to one character
Theme

6. Theme or not? Bees are busy. Family is more important than money.
Windows are sometimes hard to open.
Beauty is only skin deep.
Perseverance pays.
Kindness matters.
The universe has millions of stars.
Giving brings happiness.
Rabbits are faster than turtles.
Water flows downhill.
The key to freedom is education.
I love having friends.
Harsh words wound.

7. Theme What it is What it is not Examples Non Examples
Full Name_____________________________________ Date_________ Period ____
What it is
What it is not
Examples
Non Examples
It is the big idea in the story, it transcends time.
Emotional reaction that you leave with
It is the lesson learned, morals
Author’s message
Central or universal message
Not usually stated in the text
Not the subject of the text
Not a detail
Not specific to one character
Theme
The universe has millions of stars
Rabbits are faster than turtles
Water flows downhill
Beauty is only skin deep
Perseverance pays.
Giving brings happiness.
Harsh words wound