Teaching Theme!

I seriously can't believe I'm about to start my sixth week of school!  It's already flying by.  Things are off to a great start though.  This past week, I taught my little thirdies about the amazing topic of theme.  Let me tell ya, the resources for theme are scarce!  We started the week by creating an anchor chart.  After searching Pinterest for some inspiration, I can across this amazing chart.

 

This amazing chart was created by the Pinspired Teacher.  It also came with many other ready to make anchor charts that I can't wait to use!  Check it out my clicking on the photo above.   After learning about each of the different themes, I read the story The Perfect Pet and modeled how to identify the theme.  We then practiced with The Three Little Pigs.  Tuesday, I was sick.. so no theme practice that day!  Wednesday we practiced theme by reading short stories and using a web to identify the theme and identify evidence of the theme from the story.  The kids did really well.  

Then Thursday, I had an idea.  What if the students were able to illustrate characters who were demonstrating specific themes?  This would be a great way for them to demonstrate their understanding of the themes and be creative all in one!  My kids are very creative.  I thought they would do well.  And they did!  I was so proud of them and can't wait to put their work up on a bulletin board! 

This student is OBSESSED with construction trucks.  He drew them and in his sentence he wrote:  "My character is demonstrating the theme of cooperation by all of the workers are working together at the site."

 

You can download the printable by clicking HERE for free!  

Don't you just love them!?  Next week, we are continuing theme and I'm super excited for my kids to play my Theme Tic-Tac-Toe game!  I only play it when I teach third grade, which is every other year and I look forward to it every time! The students play tic-tac-toe against on another by picking a movie from the board, reading a summary and identifying the theme.  This includes everything you need:  x's and o's, extension questions, and an assessment.  I have mine all set out and ready to go for the week.  I just hope the kids enjoy it as much as I do!  If you wanna know more, just click one of the pictures below.  :)

 

 Well, I'm off to check something else off of my to-do list for the day!  I hope you are all well.  And as a thank you for reading all the way to the end, the first 4 people to comment on this post and leave their e-mail will receive the Teaching Theme with Movies product for free! :)  

Happy Labor Day Weekend!