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 One and Only Ivan. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show three examples of it, one example per cell.
The friendship between the animals, and between Julia and the animals, is prevalent throughout the whole story. The friendship between Ivan and Bob is particularly unique because they are so different in so many ways.
When Stella knows she is going to die, Ivan promises to take care of Ruby. Ivan works day and night to keep that promise.
Ivan remembers when he was young and his family was captured or killed. He was the only one to survive, only to be confined in a small space for the entertainment of humans.
Many of the characters suffer from loneliness. For example, Mack, the owner, was left by his wife many years ago, and is clearly sad and lonely, and has been for a long time.
(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 3 recurring themes in The One and Only Ivan. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
(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. |