Theme What is the big idea?

Definition Theme: The main idea or message the author wants to tell. The theme can also be the lesson about life or human nature that the story teaches.

Finding the theme The theme is NOT a word, it is a sentence You do not have to agree with it You only need to identify it You have to infer it

Examples Money can’t buy happiness Never judge a book by its cover Family is important Differences can bring people together Be happy with who you are Don’t be afraid to try new things

Identify the theme The Boy Who Cried Wolf What is the big idea?

Let’s Watch the Story The Boy Who Cried Wolf Try to think: What’s the big idea? Now, let’s read the story!

The Boy Who Cried Wolf Once upon a time, there was a shepherd boy watching after sheep on a mountain. He was bored and wanted to have fun.

Beginning He watched the people at the bottom of the mountain and thought of an idea to trick them.

The First Time He pretended there was a wolf chasing the sheep. He cried, “Wolf! Wolf! Help me!”

The Middle The people from the village came to help the boy. To their surprise, the boy was laughing. There was no wolf. They were angry.

The Second Time The next day, the boy was bored again so he cried, “Wolf! Wolf! Help me!” The villagers came running, but there was no wolf. It was another trick. The boy was laughing, but the villagers were very angry.

The Third Time One day, a wolf really did come up the mountain. Then, it ran after the sheep. The boy was terrified and he yelled at the top of his lungs, “Wolf! Wolf! Help me!”

The End This last time nobody came to help the boy. Finally, the wolf ran after the boy.

What is the Theme?

Think Aloud What did the main character learn? What’s the big idea? What is the central message of the story?

Possible Themes You should tell the truth. You should not lie. Nobody believes a liar.

QUIZ! Can you define theme? Can you give an example of a popular theme?