Explain that the themes of a story are the central messages or overall ideas the author wants to convey to the readers. Themes are not stated directly. The author shows the themes by what the characters do, say, and think; how the characters interact with each other; and where the story takes place. Many stories have themes about overcoming obstacles and challenges, family relationships, friendship, and growing up. For example, one of the themes of The Three Little Pigs is overcoming obstacles and challenges and one of the themes of Cinderella is family relationships. Have students identify patterns or repetitions in the ways that Catherine interacted with David or how Catherine’s mom felt about David. Encourage students to use questions, such as these, to identify the theme in a story: How did Catherine’s mom respond when Catherine complained about having to take care of David? Who do you feel for in the story? Why Does Catherine seem to learn anything through her experience? Have students brainstorm possible themes in Rules: Sibling relationships Making friends Accepting differences Independent Practice: Ask: What are ways we can share our opinions about something that happened in a text? Discuss. Discuss the Grade 5 Opinion Writing Rubric: Introduce the topic clearly and state your opinion. Create a way to organize the reasons to logically support your opinion. Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details. Link your opinion and reasons using words, phrases, or clauses, such as consequently or specifically. Provide a concluding statement or section that is related to the opinion. Use correct grammar and spelling. Model how to use the Grade 5 Opinion Writing Frame (included at the end of the lesson) with a different question about the story. Ask: What do you think Ryan really felt about David? Ryan’s feelings about David Ryan felt that David was different from him and that it was alright to make fun of Opinion: him. Ryan liked to show off in front of other kids.
Explain that the themes of a story are the central messages or overall ideas the author wants to convey to the readers. Themes are not stated directly. The author shows the themes by what the characters do, say, and think; how the characters interact with each other; and where the story takes place. Many stories have themes about overcoming obstacles and challenges, family relationships, friendship, and growing up. For example, one of the themes of The Three Little Pigs is overcoming obstacles and challenges and one of the themes of Cinderella is family relationships. Have students identify patterns or repetitions in the ways that Catherine interacted with David or how Catherine’s mom felt about David. Encourage students to use questions, such as these, to identify the theme in a story: How did Catherine’s mom respond when Catherine complained about having to take care of David? Who do you feel for in the story? Why Does Catherine seem to learn anything through her experience? Have students brainstorm possible themes in Rules: Sibling relationships Making friends Accepting differences Independent Practice: Ask: What are ways we can share our opinions about something that happened in a text? Discuss. Discuss the Grade 5 Opinion Writing Rubric: Introduce the topic clearly and state your opinion. Create a way to organize the reasons to logically support your opinion. Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details. Link your opinion and reasons using words, phrases, or clauses, such as consequently or specifically. Provide a concluding statement or section that is related to the opinion. Use correct grammar and spelling. Model how to use the Grade 5 Opinion Writing Frame (included at the end of the lesson) with a different question about the story. Ask: What do you think Ryan really felt about David? Ryan’s feelings about David Opinion: Ryan felt that David was different from him and that it was alright to make fun of him. Ryan liked to show off in front of other kids.
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