Activity Overview
There are many themes present throughout the novel Elijah of Buxton. Students can explore this by identifying a theme themselves or, in an “envelope activity”, where they are given a theme to track throughout their reading. Then, students can create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text. Teachers may also ask students to illustrate more than one theme and how it influences the story.
Examples of Themes in Elijah of Buxton
- Freedom
- Slavery
- Empathy
- Humility
- Generosity
- Family
- Opportunity
- Trickery
- Community
- Education
- Identity
- Friendship
- Bravery
- Determination
- Hope
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Elijah of Buxton. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Elijah of Buxton you wish to include and write them in the title box.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How To Facilitate a Discussion on Themes Present in “Elijah of Buxton”
Give Historical Background
Introduce students to the historical context of slavery and the concept of freedom. Telling students stories of people who experienced these significant historical events in real life will help them understand the themes present in the story on a deeper level and give them a new perspective to view the themes.
Identify the Themes
Once the students are more familiar with the historical context and background of the narrative, ask them to analyze the common themes or central ideas present in the story. Teachers can provide students with guidelines on how to identify themes present in a text and use examples to clear confusion.
Compare With Other Literature
Talk about the connections between the issues in "Elijah of Buxton" and other literary or historical subjects. Teachers can ask students questions such as, how the theme of freedom in this novel compares to other works of historical fiction or non-fiction, in order to get them thinking and sharpen their analysis skills.
Assign Activities for Follow-Up
Give students assignments that let them go deeper into particular ideas, such as essays, reflections, or creative writing projects. Examine themed initiatives, such as putting together extra historical context studies or producing graphic representations. Teachers can also assign projects that foster creativity and allow the students to express their perspectives more creatively such as role playing.
Reflect and Summarize
Highlight any unanswered issues or potential areas for more research while summarizing the main takeaways from the conversation. Encourage the students to reflect on the discussions and summarize key discussion points in order to reinforce the concept and maintain consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes in “Elijah of Buxton”
How is the theme of freedom addressed in the narrative?
Characters struggle with their physical and personal freedom, which makes freedom a major issue in the book. While other characters delve further into the idea of freedom on an emotional and personal level—such as the ability to make decisions and form one's own identity—Elijah's journey embodies the quest for liberation from slavery. The historical background and events also play a major role in the development of this theme.
What is the significance of identity as a theme in the book?
Through individuals who grapple with issues of self-discovery and comprehension, "Elijah of Buxton" explores the concept of identity. The book examines how people identify themselves in relation to their community and historical environment, and how Elijah's experiences have shaped his identity throughout the story.
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Elijah of Buxton
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