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 two of the themes in Cinder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Cinder
Identity
Throughout the story, Cinder learns that not only is she a cyborg, but she is also a Lunar and that she’s actually Princess Selene. Cinder struggles with her identity and not having a true family to call her own.
Acceptance and Connection
Cinder must live with her legal guardian, her horrible stepmother, and her two stepsisters. Peony, the younger stepsister, shows caring and kindness towards Cinder, but she is a victim of the letumosis plague and dies. Because Cinder is a cyborg, people dislike her and are afraid of her, even though they may not know her. Cinder longs for a connection with someone.
Courage
Although she knows that her life is at risk, Cinder feels the need and responsibility to protect her country and its people. One example of this is when she goes to the ball knowing that Queen Levana is there and wants her dead in order to prevent Kai from agreeing to marry the Queen.
Selflessness and Sacrifice
Both Cinder and Kai show a great deal of selflessness throughout the story. One example of this is when Kai becomes emperor and Cinder warns him of Levana’s plans to kill him after they marry. Kai knows of this plan but is willing to do it anyway in order to get the antidote and save lives.
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 Cinder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Cinder 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.
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/7/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/8/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of 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. |
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