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 the themes in Sounder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate twp themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Sounder
Identity
The dog’s name, Sounder, is the only name in the whole book. The family is identified as poor, but that is their only identity. To the family, Sounder is important, but to the world, the family is unimportant and has no identity.
Loyalty
Sounder is a fearless and loyal dog. One example of this is when he chases the wagon as his master is being taken away to jail.
Growing Up
The boy is forced to grow up fast when his father is taken away. He must help raise his younger siblings and take care of his family.
Courage
The boy is very courageous. He goes out to look for his father, and is even injured because of it. He also never gives up his dream of learning to read and write.
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 2 recurring themes in Sounder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Sounder 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
- CCSS: RL.6.2 - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- CCSS: RL.4.2 - Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
- CCSS: RL.5.2 - Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
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. |
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 the themes in Sounder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate twp themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Sounder
Identity
The dog’s name, Sounder, is the only name in the whole book. The family is identified as poor, but that is their only identity. To the family, Sounder is important, but to the world, the family is unimportant and has no identity.
Loyalty
Sounder is a fearless and loyal dog. One example of this is when he chases the wagon as his master is being taken away to jail.
Growing Up
The boy is forced to grow up fast when his father is taken away. He must help raise his younger siblings and take care of his family.
Courage
The boy is very courageous. He goes out to look for his father, and is even injured because of it. He also never gives up his dream of learning to read and write.
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 2 recurring themes in Sounder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Sounder 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
- CCSS: RL.6.2 - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- CCSS: RL.4.2 - Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
- CCSS: RL.5.2 - Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
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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