Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to anatomize without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In this particular story the author uses the story itself along with the two anecdotes to reveal the theme to her readers. In the classroom, students can track the theme in this story and show how each use brings deeper meaning to the audience.
In the story the privacy of others is mentioned on three occasions: through the plot of the story itself, the story of the man on the bridge, and the anecdote about Goldilocks. Each story represents the invasion of privacy and the disrespect that people have for others. From the title of the story, the reader can infer that “blues” or misfortunes of others, unlike the mockingbird, do not suggest self-pity or death, more clearly the misfortunes of others should not be exploited or mocked. Looking at the story of the man attempting suicide, it is evident that Granny has contempt and disgust for people who try to take advantage of situations for their own benefit. This tale is followed by the story of Goldilocks, who goes into another person's home with blatant disrespect for the property and privacy of the owners. This last anecdote circles back to the invasion of personal space and privacy that Granny experiences with the cameramen.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies a theme in "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird". Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
Discussion circles help students share ideas and actively listen to peers, creating a supportive space to explore complex themes. Students build confidence and critical thinking by expressing their own interpretations.
Give students specific roles such as summarizer, questioner, or connector to keep discussions focused and inclusive. This ensures every student participates and feels valued.
Craft questions that prompt students to think deeply, such as "How does privacy impact characters in the story?" or "Why is respect for others important in 'Blues Ain't No Mockingbird'?" Strong questions foster thoughtful conversations.
Remind students to support their ideas with specific quotes or examples from the story. This practice strengthens analytical skills and helps them connect abstract themes to concrete details.
Ask students to write or share one new insight they gained about the theme. Reflection helps students internalize learning and recognize their growth in understanding complex concepts.
The main theme of "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird" is privacy and respect for others' boundaries. The story explores how people's personal lives and struggles should not be exploited or intruded upon, as shown through the characters' reactions to outsiders invading their space.
Students can analyze the theme of privacy by identifying key moments in the story—such as the incidents with the cameramen, the man on the bridge, and the Goldilocks anecdote—where characters' boundaries are crossed. Using a storyboard helps students visually organize these examples and explain their significance.
Symbols and motifs in the story include the camera (representing invasion of privacy), the bridge anecdote (exploitation of suffering), and the Goldilocks story (disrespect for personal space). Each reinforces the central theme.
To use a storyboard for teaching themes, have students identify a theme, select three textual examples, and illustrate each in separate cells. They then write brief descriptions, visually connecting the theme to story events for deeper understanding.
Teaching symbols and motifs helps students interpret deeper meanings in texts, recognize recurring ideas, and build strong analytical skills. This supports critical thinking and aligns with Common Core ELA standards for literary analysis.