1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

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

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

12. 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