What does the author want me to learn from reading this story?

In this lesson you will learn to determine the theme of a story by asking “what did the author want me to learn from reading

this story?”

Let’s Review

We’ve just finished reading “The Reformation of Jimmy Valentine-

Safe Cracker”

?

A Common Mistake

Theme

Theme

Core LessonCore LessonTheme:

the author’s message or what he/she wants the reader to learn.

Life lesson

Not specific to a story A story can have one, more than

one, or none at all..

Core LessonCore Lesson

What is the theme of “The Reformation of Jimmy Valentine-Safe Cracker?”

Love conquers all?What comes around goes around?People can and do change ?

Core LessonCore Lesson Theme: People can and do change for the better.

Jimmy Valentine:Beginning: End:

Sneaky bank robber who only cares about himself.

Honest businessman who cares more about his family than about Det. Price watching him crack a safe.

Core LessonCore Lesson Let’s Check Our Theme:People can and do change for

the better.

Life lesson

Not specific to a story A story can have one, more than

one or none at all..

Theme Test:

Core LessonCore Lesson

Review the text.1

2 Ask: What does the author want me to learn?

3 Test and record your theme.

In this lesson you have learned how to determine the theme of a story by asking what did the author want me to learn from

this story?

Guided Practice A second possible theme:“Love conquers all”

Life lesson Not specific to a story. A story can have one, more than

one or none at all..

Theme Test:

Guided Practice

Jimmy Valentine:Beginning: End:

Theme: Love conquers all.

Guided Practice

1 Review the text.

2 Ask: What does the author want me to learn?

3 Test and record your theme.

Extension Activities

Group Extension:Working with your class or your group, go through the three steps to determine the theme or author’s lesson for a short story or novel that you have completed reading.

Extension Activities

Individual Extension:Use the three steps to determine theme or what the author of your independent reading book wanted his/her reader to learn. Record your work on a sticky note or in your reader’s notebook.

Quick QuizQuick Quiz

Quick Quiz: What is one possible theme of “The Dream Opportunity for Redheads?”

Write a sticky note with a possible theme and one piece of evidence from your “theme test.”