Theme The Big Idea The most important concepts students should learn from this lesson are: Themes are the “big ideas” found in stories – not just the topic of the story, but the underlying message which can be summed up in a word or two. Themes exist in almost all stories, whether they are books, movies, songs, etc. Almost any story will easily have more than one theme, and themes often interchangeable (loyalty and friendship, patriotism and loyalty, etc.) There is no definitive list of themes, but several themes (mentioned in this presentation) are very common and appear in many, MANY stories.

What does “theme” mean? Theme songs Theme restaurants 50’s diner, Rainforest Café, Western themed Theme parties Hawaiian luau, masquerade ball, Halloween Theme parks Adventure, nature, certain characters Encourage students to think of other examples where theme is used, even those not used in a literary sense.

What does “theme” mean? A theme is the main idea; the idea that sums up what something (or someone) is all about. Similar to the moral of the story, but themes do not always have to teach a lesson All books, movies, TV shows, songs, poems, etc. have themes – almost always more than one! Be sure to distinguish between the topic and the theme – some students tend to describe the subject matter as the theme. Stress that the theme is like the moral, but can usually be named in one or two words.

Themes = Big Ideas Bravery Loyalty Friendship Home & Family Growing up Heroism Freedom Adventure Love Independence Prejudice Nature Teamwork Many, many more! Stress that there are many more types of themes; these are just common examples. You may also want to write these down and display them in your room as you continue to work with theme.

Examples: Spider-Man Lessons learned: What does it mean to be a hero? Heroes have to put others before themselves Themes: Heroism, Selflessness, Bravery For each movie example there can be many more themes than just the ones listed. Encourage students to list more as they think of them.

The Wizard of Oz Lessons Learned: “There’s no place like home.” Good can defeat evil even when good is weaker You can do whatever you believe you can do. Themes: Home and family, believing in yourself, good vs. evil

Up Lessons Learned: It’s never too late to have adventure Everyone has some way to help another person Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Believing in yourself

Name the themes: Shrek Possible answers: Heroism Adventure Loyalty Friendship Believing in oneself Individuality Love Acceptance Prejudice

Name the themes: Avatar Possible Answers: Nature (Respecting/protecting it) Acceptance Bravery Adventure Love Loyalty Prejudice Justice

Name the themes: Toy Story Possible Answers: Friendship Loyalty Teamwork Acceptance Adventure Bravery Heroism

Name the themes: Star Wars Possible Answers: Good vs. Evil Teamwork Patriotism Adventure Loyalty Heroism Growing up (coming of age) War Justice Friendship

What’s that theme? Possible answers: Medal – bravery, war, adventure Heart – love, friendship Family – home & family, teamwork, growing up Knight – adventure, bravery, loyalty Bears – friendship, loyalty