In this activity, students will determine a theme for Cinderella and support the theme with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is clearly depicted in Cinderella is the idea that kindness is rewarded. Another is that true beauty comes from inside. Cinderella’s sisters are not ugly on the outside, but their cruelty results in ugliness. Students can use a grid layout to depict the textual evidence that supports a theme of their choice.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies a theme from Cinderella. Illustrate examples of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
Boost student engagement by organizing a class debate where students discuss which theme in Cinderella is most important. This helps students practice critical thinking and respectful listening while deepening their understanding of literary themes.
Ensure participation by giving every student a specific role, such as 'theme defender' or 'evidence finder.' Clear roles make expectations obvious and build confidence for sharing ideas.
Encourage close reading by having students find and write down lines from Cinderella that support their assigned theme. This builds textual analysis skills and helps structure their debate points.
Keep the debate organized by setting short time limits for each speaker and using a talking object to signal whose turn it is. Model respectful listening and encourage students to respond to each other’s points.
Wrap up the activity by inviting students to share times when they have seen these themes in their own lives or other stories. This helps make the lesson meaningful and memorable for everyone.
Kindness is rewarded is a main theme in Cinderella. The story teaches that showing kindness, even when treated unfairly, can lead to good outcomes.
Use a storyboard activity where students identify a theme from Cinderella, illustrate examples from the story, and describe how each example supports that theme. This helps students connect evidence to the theme.
Common themes in Cinderella include kindness is rewarded, true beauty comes from within, and good triumphs over evil. Students can find moments in the story that support each theme.
Fairy tales like Cinderella have clear themes and familiar plots, making it easier for young students to identify and discuss the underlying messages.
Have students fill out a grid or storyboard where they pick a theme, then draw and describe scenes from Cinderella that support it. This visual approach supports comprehension and engagement.