Analyzing Theme in The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

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.

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Template and Class Instructions

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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:

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 5-6

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Common Core Standards

[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.

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Rubric

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Themes

Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in the story. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description that explains the example's significance.

	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.