Ms. Caffee

 KWL chart KnowWant to KnowLearned

 Once you are finished, answer the collaborative discussion question on p. 16 on a sheet of scrap paper. Read “Once Upon a Time”

 “Once Upon a Time” – Plot Summary

Theme Definition: The writer’s message or main idea. There may be more than one theme.

How to Understand the Theme 1. Find the “big ideas” or general topics: Courage Family Friendship Growing up Pride Freedom Prejudice 2. What does the author want the reader to understand about the “big idea”? If the story is about “family,” is the author saying “it is important to stick together as a family”? The theme is a statement!

Example – Identify the Theme from “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros Looking at what a character says/does will help you identify the theme: “I’m eleven today. I’m eleven, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, and one, but I wish I was one hundred and two. I wish I was anything but eleven, because I want today to be far away already, far away like a runaway balloon, like a tiny o in the sky, so tiny-tiny you have to close your eyes to see it.” What is the “big idea”? Growing up What is a thematic statement for this selection? Growing up can be frustrating (She wants to be grown up - 102, not just 20!)

How to Understand Theme Come up with a statement of the author’s point or message about the topic. Don’t confuse theme with topic (“big idea”). Theme is a point made about a topic. Example: Mildred Taylor in “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” writes about the topic of racism, but that isn’t her theme. Her theme could be that racism is caused by ignorance and insecurity. Different stories could have different themes on the same topic.

How to Understand Theme Make sure you have details to offer as evidence of your theme statement. Stating a theme is not a magic trick (making it appear out of thin air). A theme needs to be based on certain things characters say and do!

Examples of Theme Identify general topics in these stories and suggest a theme statement. 1. The Grinch 2. Three Little Pigs 3. Harry Potter 4. Frozen Even if you make a mistake, you can do the right thing in the end. Good planning can lead to success. Good can overcome evil. Be yourself.

Concentric Circle on Theme – 20 point classwork assignment In your groups, make a concentric circle to represent the theme of “Once Upon a Time.” 1. Big idea 2. Support from text x 3 3. Symbolism x4 4. Thematic Statement1.Write the big idea 2.Give 3 examples from the text that support your big idea. (Include the line #s) 3. Draw 4 symbols from the story that represent your big idea. 4. Write the thematic statement based on the evidence you have found.

 Nadine Gordimer’s story “Once Upon a Time” explores the consequences of apartheid, a major social issue in her community. 1.Think of a social issue about which you could write a story. Then, find an article about the social issue on which you wish to focus. 2.Print or cut out the article. 3.Write the statement that you wish to communicate about this issue at the top of the article, along with your header (Name, Date, English I, Class Period). Homework

  What is a fairy tale?  A short story that includes fantastical elements  Examples: The Three Little Pigs, Cinderlla  As a group, make a list of as many fairy tales as possible. Fairy Tales

 1.The main characters are opposed by an evil force. 2.Animals have special abilities. 3.The story is used to teach a lesson. 4.Good characters have bad things happen to them. 5.The setting does not seem quite real. 6.Details in the story foreshadow that the problem, or conflict, will be resolved in the “happily ever after” ending. Elements of a Fairy Tale (also on p. 17 in book)

 Which of the following fairy tale elements does “Once Upon a Time” contain? Be sure to provide examples from the story to support your answer. 1.The main characters are opposed by an evil force. 2.Animals have special abilities. 3.The story is used to teach a lesson. 4.Good characters have bad things happen to them. 5.The setting does not seem quite real. 6.Details from the story foreshadow that the problem, or conflict, will be resolved in the “happily ever after” ending. Elements of a Fairy Tale

 Why would Nadine Gordimer choose to structure “Once Upon a Time” like a fairy tale? Fairy tales often communicate themes. Why???

 Write your own fairy tale (see handout)

 Critical Vocabulary questions #1-5 on p. 19 of your textbook. AND Use each of the critical vocabulary words from “Once Upon a Time” in a complete sentence. You may complete this on one sheet of paper. Your homework will be collected at the beginning of next class. Homework

 Analyzing the Text questions #1, 4, 5 and 6. Remember to answer using the ACE method that we discussed in class. You have twenty minutes (5 minutes per question) to work on this in class. Assignment