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 Where the Red Fern Grows. 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 Where the Red Fern Grows
Determination
Billy is so determined to buy himself two hunting dogs that he works odd jobs for two years to earn the money.
Loyalty
Billy’s dogs are extremely loyal to him and to each other. One example of this is when Little Ann falls in the ice and Billy and Old Dan don’t give up until they rescue her.
Family
Billy and his family are very close and would do anything for one another. Billy’s relationship with his grandpa is very strong, and Billy learns all about perseverance and hunting from him.
Faith
Billy and his family are extremely religious and spiritual. They often talk to and about God, and Billy thinks about his prayers frequently.
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 Where the Red Fern Grows. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Where the Red Fern Grows 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.
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. |
More Storyboard That Activities
Where the Red Fern Grows
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