harvesting hope the story of cesar chavez by kathleen krull

Model how to identify theme by looking for author’s technique and key words.

Say, “Whether a book is fiction or literary nonfiction, you determine the theme the same way.” Ask, “What is the theme in the story of Jackie Robinson?” ( respect for others courage to stand up for your rights) Help students list the techniques the author uses to help the reader understand the theme, such as symbols and characters’ thoughts, words, actions, and feelings.ĭisplay the anchor chart from Lesson 2 that lists possible themes. Remind students that theme is a lesson the author wants to teach us and that it is the important topic on which a text is based. Review concepts presented in Lessons 1 and 2. Be sure students understand that a literary nonfiction book has characteristics of fiction, such as characters, plot, and theme. Read aloud an example of literary nonfiction from your basal reading series or an excerpt from The Story of Jackie Robinson, Bravest Man in Baseball.

This lesson is organized to introduce students to the terminology of theme and to define it, to guide students through the process of determining theme and supporting their choice, and to give students the opportunity to practice identifying theme and supporting their answers.įocus question: What is theme in literary nonfiction, and how is it similar to theme in fiction? Give students the opportunity to self-assess their understanding of theme.Īllow for flexible grouping depending on students’ reading levels by offering a variety of picture books to read and then through the extension activities, allow for concepts to be extended in coordination with students’ learning levels. Provide feedback to students so that they can revise and rethink their choice of theme. Have students read a variety of literary nonfiction books to practice determining theme and provide evidence to support their theme choice. Scaffolding, Active Engagement, Modeling, Explicit Instruction W:Įncourage students to identify the theme of a literary nonfiction text and support their answers with information from the text and review why determining theme helps to improve comprehension.Įxpose students to theme through a shared reading of a picture book.

Harvesting hope the story of cesar chavez by kathleen krull