1. Harcourt Journeys: Comprehension Skills Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

2. Unit 1: Lesson 4 Skill – Theme Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

3. Part 1: Introduce Comprehension Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

4. The theme is the main idea, moral, or message, of the story. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

5. It’s the idea that the writer is trying to get across. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

6. Part of your job as a reader is to understand what the author is trying to say. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

7. Writers seldom come out and tell you, “Hey reader, this is what I want you to know.” Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

8. You have to figure out the theme on your own based on the clues from the story. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

9. Here are some tips to help you identify theme. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

10. TIP Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

11. ASK YOURSELF: What is the TOPIC or BIG IDEA? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

12. Themes are usually about BIG IDEAS like….. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

13. freedom Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

14. bravery Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

15. trust Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

16. courage Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

17. strength Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

18. friendship Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

19. family Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

20. teamwork Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

21. helping others Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

22. man vs. nature Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

23. good vs. evil Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

24. Copyright © 2010 Kelly Mott You can FIND these BIG IDEAS in the….

25. title Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

26. first paragraph Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

27. last paragraph Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

28. any repeated words or ideas Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

29. TIP Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

30. Pay attention to what the CHARACTERS say and do. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

31. Characters’ actions can help readers determine the author’s message. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

32. Copyright © 2010 Kelly Mott THINK: What life lessons are the characters trying to teach me?

33. TIP Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

34. After looking for BIG IDEAS and looking at the CHARACTER’S ACTIONS, DECIDE ON THE THEME. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

35. Remember, the theme is not the topic, but a POINT made about the topic. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

36. The theme is usually an important lesson that the author wants you to learn. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

38. How did you do? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott