Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate two of the themes in Full Cicada Moon. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Full Cicada Moon
Friendship
Mimi’s friendships are very important to her. She left behind cousins who were very close to her, and felt lonely when she moved. Mimi’s friendship with Stacey is special, as Stacey doesn’t see Mimi as the bi-racial new girl, she sees Mimi as a kind, smart, good person. Mimi’s friendship with Timothy is complicated, as his uncle does not want them anywhere near one another.
Race
Race is a very prominent theme in the story. One example is when Stacey, who is white, and Victor, who is black, dance together at the school dance, and the boys get mad and bully Victor. Another example is when Stacey doesn’t invite Mimi to her birthday party because her mother doesn’t approve of their friendship. There are many more examples of race being a factor, and the outward racism that Mimi and her parents face.
Speaking Out For What You Believe In
Mimi’s parents have taught her that speaking up is important, especially in a respectful way. One example of this is when Mimi decides to sit in the shop class and refuses to leave; she gets suspended for her actions but her parents are proud of her for standing up for what she believes in.
Kindness
There are many examples of how Mimi and her parents choose kindness, even when it is difficult. One example of this is when they bring Thanksgiving dinner to Mr. Dell, even though he has treated the family poorly in the past.
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 Full Cicada Moon. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Full Cicada Moon you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- 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. |
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Full Cicada Moon
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