“What is the theme of this story?” Now there’s a question all pupils dread. Rather than encountering a sea of faces that look like they were painted by Edward Munch, face a classroom filled with smiles and confidence. Show your readers how to determine the theme of a work. After modeling and discussing the differences between motifs and themes, groups engage in a series of activities that ask them to identify the motifs and the authors’ messages about these motifs in works they have read. Rich in detail, the packet deserves a place in your curriculum library.

Concepts

motifs, literary devices, literary themes, literary elements

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Additional Tags

themes, motif, william shakeaspeare, classroom support

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Pros

• The 10-page resource includes a rationale for the approach, which may be used with any work of literature, directions for teachers, activities, and worksheets 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.2 RL.11-12.4