important
to think about theme when you read because theme sometimes explains what you are
reading. I figure out theme by looking at titles of books, and I sometimes
analyze what the characters are doing, feeling, thinking, and saying.”Hey! What’s the Big Idea?
By Mrs. Rudin
We have been exploring themes in literature. Students found that by “reading between the lines,” we can uncover the author’s message.
Villaggia writes:
“Theme is something
that explains a book, and it is almost like the main idea in the story. It is
important
to think about theme when you read because theme sometimes explains what you are
reading. I figure out theme by looking at titles of books, and I sometimes
analyze what the characters are doing, feeling, thinking, and saying.”
Thomas writes:
“The theme is important because it helps you understand why the events happened. Without the theme you would never understand why the character is doing what he or she is doing.”
Christian agrees:
“It is important to think about the theme when you read because it helps you realize the author’s message. Also, it helps you understand the story better.”
Victor adds:
“You can find the theme
in the title sometimes, and it can be in the key quotation. The key quotation is
a sentence that someone says in the story that reveals the author’s message.”
As a whole class, in small groups and in partnerships, we read over 30 thought-provoking picture books during this unit of study. We think you will be impressed with the BIG IDEAS that our students have discovered through their reading and want to share some of them with you:
Writing about Mr. Peabody’s Apples, some children felt the theme was trust. Jared explains that “the big idea was don’t say something if you don’t know if it is true. Madonna [the author] hopes you don’t ruin someone’s reputation when they did not do anything wrong.”
Scott and Steven read the book Henry’s Freedom Box. They discussed and wrote about themes of freedom and equality. Steven writes that “we all have our rights. No matter what race or color, we’re all the same.”
Stefano and Serafino, after reading Eve Bunting’s Cheyenne Again, determined the author’s message to be as follows: “Never let anyone take away your memories and your identity.”
Gina read Be Good to Eddie Lee, and reports that the theme is getting along. She explains the key quotation as follows: “What Eddie Lee is trying to say is that I don’t care if you look funny. I care about what is inside. The big idea is that even if there is something different about you, it doesn’t matter what’s on the outside. “
Caroline and Miah read Raising Yoder’s Barn by Jane Yolen. They identify the theme as teamwork. They say that the author’s message is “Never give up when things get too hard. Just try again, with people who love and care about you.”
Reading and analyzing books with such positive messages will help to shape the characters of our wonderful students and lead them to a deeper appreciation of good literature. Keep reading!