Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate the themes in Because of Mr. Terupt. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show three examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Because of Mr. Terupt
Forgiveness
One example of forgiveness is when Danielle, Jessica, and Anna forgive Alexia for the terrible way she treated them.
Change
All of the characters change because of Mr. Terupt. One example is how Jeffery used to never talk and was considered a slacker. The reader learns of his brother’s passing and he discovers it wasn’t his fault.
Personal Responsibility
The students learn to take responsibility for their own actions as well as not to blame themselves for something that isn’t their fault. One example is Alexia: she learns that she must fix the problems that she has caused by being so cruel to others.
Friendship
There are many friendships that struggle and are formed throughout the book. One example is the friendship, or lack thereof, of Alexia and Danielle. They were friends when they were younger, then Alexia became the mean girl; unable to be trusted. When Alexia realizes how wrong she’s been, she truly apologizes and the girls become real friends.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Because of Mr. Terupt. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Because of Mr. Terupt you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/4/2] Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/5/2] Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How to Teach Connecting 'Because of Mr. Terupt' Themes with Real-Life Scenarios
Identifying Key Themes
Begin with a class discussion to identify the key themes in "Because of Mr. Terupt," such as empathy, growth, and the impact of actions. Have students cite examples from the book that illustrate these themes. This step is crucial for establishing a clear understanding of the themes they will be connecting to real-world situations.
Researching Real-Life Scenarios
Assign students (either individually or in small groups) to research current events, historical incidents, or personal experiences that relate to the identified themes. Encourage them to look for news articles, documentaries, or even stories from their community that reflect the themes from the book.
Creating Connections
Have students create a presentation or a written report that connects the themes from "Because of Mr. Terupt" to the real-life scenarios they researched. They should explain how these scenarios illustrate the themes and what can be learned from them. This step helps students apply their literary understanding to real-world contexts.
Sharing and Discussion
Organize a class session where students share their findings and connections. After each presentation or report, facilitate a discussion about how these real-life scenarios enhance their understanding of the book’s themes. This final step encourages reflection and critical thinking, allowing students to learn from each other's insights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theme in "Because of Mr. Terupt"
How does the theme of friendship play out in "Because of Mr. Terupt"?
The book explores how the diverse group of students in Mr. Terupt's class form unexpected friendships with each other. They come from different backgrounds and have unique personalities, but they learn to understand and support one another.
How does Mr. Terupt teach empathy to his students?
Mr. Terupt uses various teaching methods to help his students understand empathy. He encourages them to see situations from others' perspectives, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding.
Why is forgiveness an important theme in "Because of Mr. Terupt"?
Forgiveness is crucial in the book because many of the characters make mistakes or face difficult situations. Learning to forgive themselves and others allows them to move forward and grow.
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