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 Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 2 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Teachers may also increase the amount of themes they want students to illustrate as a way to differentiate.Examples of Themes in Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Peace
Sadako contracts leukemia when she is just two years old, as a result of war. Sadako’s story is almost like a plea for peace and anti-violence.
Family
Sadako’s family is by her side throughout everything. They have a strong sense of togetherness, tradition, and respect.
Hope and Optimism
Sadako continues to hope for recovery, even as she gets sicker and sicker. She continues to fold the cranes until she is physically unable to do so.
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 2 recurring themes in Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes 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.
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 Analyze the Themes Present in “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes”
Identify Themes
Introduce the concept of themes to students and simple words with the help of examples and ask them to identify some common themes present in the story. Students can look for central ideas that drive the narrative such as peace, hope, and optimism are some common central ideas present in the story and these ideas interact with the characters and the setting.
Discuss “Peace” and “Hope”
Peace and hope are two of the major themes present in the story. Despite being a victim of the bombing that occurred long ago, Sadako remained hopeful and made the readers realize everyone’s longing for peace. Students can discuss the importance of these themes generally in their lives as well as Sadako’s life and how it impacted the people around her.
Give Historical Context
Talk about the ways in which the concepts of the story are informed and reinforced by the post-World War II history of Japan. This can entail looking at the war's larger sociopolitical effects. Students can understand a bit more about themes after looking into the setting of the story and finding out more about the impact of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Analyze Character Arcs
Examine how the experiences and development of certain characters affect the way the topics are developed. Think about how the themes are reflected and reinforced by Sadako's trip as well as the experiences of her family and friends.
Engage in Group Discussions
Engage the students in group discussions to foster a collaborative learning environment. Students can discuss these topics generally and in the context of the story. They can take note of each other’s views and perspectives, and learn from each other’s personal experiences and stories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes in Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
What are some of the central themes present in the story?
The book's key themes include peace, resiliency, family and friendship, the effects of war, optimism, and the strength of perseverance. Students can reflect on these themes to gain a deeper understanding of the characters.
How does the story portray the concept of Peace?
Sadako's passionate desire to fold a thousand paper cranes in an effort to bring about peace and healing is clear evidence of the subject of peace. The overall idea of the story also entails messages about the importance of peace in order to save many other lives like that of Sadako.
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Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
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