1. Here is a quick refresher course, in case you’ve forgotten.

2.  Definition: A belief about life, or human nature, that the writer hopes we learn from the work.

3.  Characteristics: A theme… is usually an observation about life or human nature (how people behave)

4.  Characteristics: A theme… is usually an observation about life or human nature (how people behave) is not directly stated in the writing; the reader needs to infer the theme.

5.  Characteristics: A theme... is usually an observation about life or human nature (how people behave) is not directly stated in the writing; the reader needs to infer the theme. is NOT the moral of the story

6. Universal Theme:  a theme that applies to anyone regardless of race, gender, age, religion, time frame, etc...

7. Let’s brainstorm some examples!

8.  Something to remember : Theme is NOT what the story is about! Let’s look at how to tell the difference...

9.  Remember the story “Little Things are Big” by Jesus Colon? What is this story about?  Jesus must decide if he will help a woman struggling with children and bags off a train. He decides not to out of fear and regrets it. What could be a theme or message from this story?  Always be courteous, act on your first instincts, etc

10.  Remember “A Choice to be Stronger”? What is this story about?  A woman who is a recovering alcoholic must cope with the death of her nephew who died in a car accident because he was driving drunk. What could be a theme or message from this story?  What does not kill you makes you stronger

11.  Remember the story “The Problem is Me?” What is this story about?  A little girl is concerned with her outward appearance and wants to be noticed by boys. What she does is never enough. What could be a theme or message from this story?  Always be yourself, be happy with who you are, etc

12.  A story is written about Miguel, who is scared to start at a new school, but soon makes many friends. What is this story about?  Miguel being scared to start at a new school. What could be a theme, or message from this story?  don’t fear the unknown, making friends is easier than it seems, etc...

13.  A story is written about Jerry who is peer pressured to tag on the school and gets caught. What is this story about?  Jerry getting caught tagging. What could be a theme, or message from this story?  Be strong enough to do the right thing, friends who ask you to do something wrong aren’t your friends, etc...

14.  A story is written about a Mike who thinks his neighbor is creepy, but gets to know him and finds out he’s really cool. What is this story about?  Mike getting to know his neighbor. What could be a theme, or message from this story?  Don’t judge a book by its cover