Post on 13-Dec-2015
Harcourt Journeys: Comprehension Skills
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Unit 1: Lesson 4Skill – Theme
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Part 1: Introduce Comprehension
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The theme is the main idea, moral, or message, of the story.
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It’s the idea that the writer is trying to get across.
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Part of your job as a reader is to understand what the author is trying to say.
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Writers seldom come out and tell you, “Hey reader, this is what I want you to know.”
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You have to figure out the theme on your own based on the clues from the story.
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Here are some tips to help you identify theme.
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TIP
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ASK YOURSELF: What is the TOPIC or BIG IDEA?
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Themes are usually about BIG IDEAS like…..
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freedom
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bravery
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trust
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courage
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strength
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friendship
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family
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teamwork
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helping others
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man vs. nature
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good vs. evil
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You can FIND these BIG IDEAS in the….
title
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first paragraph
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last paragraph
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any repeated words or
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TIP
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Pay attention to what the CHARACTERS say and do.
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Characters’ actions can help readers determine the author’s message.
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THINK:What life lessons are the characters trying to teach me?
TIP
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After looking for BIG IDEAS and looking at the CHARACTER’S ACTIONS, DECIDE ON THE THEME.
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Remember, the theme is not the topic, but a POINT made about the topic.
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The theme is usually an important lesson that the author wants you to learn.
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How did you do?
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Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott