Skill library: Theme

Welcome to the Storyworks 3 Skill Library! Help your students learn how to identify a story's theme by using the resources below.

 

First, introduce theme to your students with our slideshow. Follow up by having them practice the skill on a Storyworks 3 story of their choosing. We offer two formats for skills practice: a guided interactive activity and a downloadable skill builder.

 

Essential Question: How might understanding a story's theme help you think about situations in your own life?

Background Builder: Theme

Learn how to find the theme of a story.

Two Ways to Practice the Skill

Online: Guided Interactive Activity

This interactive slide deck walks your students through what a theme is. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice identifying the theme of a Storyworks 3 story they've chosen. 

Offline: Printable PDF

This downloadable activity sheet lets your students practice finding the theme of any story.

Top stories for teaching

Theme:

FICTION Carla's Sandwich Carla’s classmates think her sandwiches are strange—until something unexpected happens at the class picnic.
FICTION Who Stole My Cactus Arm? Oliver learns an important lesson from nature on telling the truth and making things right.
PLAY The Newsies Meet the gutsy working kids who fought back against their bosses—and won!
PLAY The Emperor's New Clothes Who will tell the truth about the Emperor’s new outfit?
PLAY The Elephants and the Mice Kindness can have unexpected results.