Teaching "Theme" with Children's Literature

In this exercise, learners examine the difference between a theme, topic, and moral. After a class discussion on the definition of literary themes, the instructor reads The Cello of Mr. O by Jane Cutler. Next, individuals analyze the theme of this story. Afterward, the class collectively discusses their ideas. Next, they choose their own children's book and identify the theme. Finally, they each create a theme statement for their selected book and share it with the class.