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 The Crossover. Teachers may want to have students illustrate three different themes, or have them choose one theme and illustrate 3 examples of it. For the example, the theme of family is illustrated with three examples.
Examples of Themes in The Crossover
Family
Josh and his brother are very close, and they have a wonderful relationship with their parents. They are always there for each other, cheer each other on, and support each other.
Determination
Josh and JB practice basketball constantly. They are both very determined boys. Josh has a very strong work ethic and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
Growing Up
Josh and JB encounter many of the struggles that come with growing up including school, girls, social life, competition, and sick parents.
Identity
Since the boys are twins, it is even harder for them to see themselves as unique individuals. Josh’s identity has always been his hair, which had to be cut off toward the beginning of the story.
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 The Crossover. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Crossover 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.
Requirements:
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/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 Analyze Family As a Theme in The Crossover
Introduce Themes
Introduce the concept of themes to students and how these central ideas are necessary for the development of the plot. Walk the students through the process of identifying themes in a story. Once students are clear on the concept help them to identify the various themes present in The Crossover.
Talk About Family
Once all the themes have been identified begin a general discussion about families. Ask the students if they would like to share any memorable experience with their families such as their happiest moment or any fight they had. Build the lecture based on their experiences and answers. Ensure that all the students feel comfortable to talk about this topic and that no one feels left out.
Analyze Character Relationships and Interactions
Ask the students to look at the interactions and relationships between family members. Pay attention to how they communicate, support, and sometimes conflict with each other. For example, examine Josh's relationship with his father, Chuck Bell, and how it evolves throughout the story.
Focus on Character Development
Take into account how the family's experiences influence the character’s development and growth. How do they grow as people and learn from their families? Encourage the students to take into account the impact of family on their experiences and how it has shaped their lives so far.
Connect With Other Themes
Family is not the only major theme present in the story. Help the students to analyze and discuss other themes present in the story and how the theme of family forms a connection with these themes. For example, the theme of love and sacrifice is very closely related to the theme of family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identifying Themes in The Crossover
What are some other major themes present in the story?
Family, love, identity, sacrifice, competitiveness, and coming-of-age are all recurring themes in "The Crossover". Through the experiences of the major characters, particularly the Bell brothers, these issues are investigated. The novel's primary topic is family. All the events that took place in the Bell household help in the manifestations of these themes.
What significance does the issue of identity have in "The Crossover"?
Through their challenges with acceptance and self-discovery, the character's struggles with identity are depicted. Josh, in particular, struggles with defining who he is as a basketball player and as a person outside of the sport. The point when Josh loses his hair because of JB serves as a symbol as well as a turning point in the story.
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