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 2 of the themes in Towers Falling. 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.
Examples of Themes in Towers Falling
History is Relevant
Oftentimes it is difficult for children to understand what history has to do with them, and why they have to learn about it. One of the main themes of this book is that history is alive, personal, and relevant. Deja sees this first hand when she learns how September 11th had an impact on so many in one way or another, including her father, herself, Miss Garcia, Sabeen, and Ben.
Family
Deja’s family is going through some hard times, but they always help one another and love one another. The family structures are all different in the book, and the reader is exposed to different family situations and make ups.
Friendship
When Deja begins at her new school, she has no desire to make friends. However, she forms a very special bond with Ben and Sabeen, who are both very different from her and each other. In the classroom, Miss Garcia puts a big emphasis on social units and how important they are to have in life.
Identity and Patriotism
Deja and her friends are all from different backgrounds, and heritage is important and celebrated in Deja’s school. Deja learns to embrace these differences while also developing a deep sense of pride in her country and being an American.
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 Towers Falling. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Towers Falling 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.
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/4/2] Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
- [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 Discuss the Theme of Patriotism in Class
Establish Background and Give Context
Introduce students to the concept of patriotism and give a brief summary of the historical occurrences or movements that have been connected to patriotism in your nation such as the American Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, or other noteworthy occasions.
Investigate Alternative Viewpoints
Discuss how people's perspectives on patriotism might vary depending on their upbringings, life experiences, and worldviews. While some could see it favorably, others might have concerns or criticisms. Ask the students how they feel about their country and what experiences have shaped their feelings and thoughts.
Discuss Common Grounds
Ask the students to analyze what are some common grounds where the entire nation comes together despite their backgrounds, ages, or origins. For instance, some nations are very serious about sports, and others about hospitality and defense.
Analyze Historical Personages
Talk about the historical individuals in your nation who are frequently linked to patriotism. Ask students to evaluate how these individuals influenced the idea of patriotism as you explore their behaviors and convictions. Ask the students if they know of any such person and their thoughts about sacrificing life for one’s country.
Promote Thinking and Analysis
Encourage pupils to consider patriotism critically. What are the advantages of patriotism, for instance? Are there any possible drawbacks associated with patriotism? Ask the students to give their analysis on the topic with some fair arguments.
Give an Activity
Ask the students to grab some paper, colorful pencils, and paints and draw whatever they feel about their country or strongly associate themselves with. For instance, if they like the culture of their country they can draw that. If they like a specific location or a city they can paint that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes in Towers Falling
What are the primary themes which have been presented in the story?
The key themes of "Towers Falling" include how 9/11 affected people and communities, how important it is to study history, how resilient people can be, and how powerful shared experiences can be. Other themes such as friendship, patriotism and identity, and family have also been explored with the help of this setting.
How does the story examine the consequences of the attack on the Twin Towers?
The book dives deeply into how 9/11 personally and emotionally affected the characters, especially Deja, as they struggled to comprehend the tragedy and its effects on their life as well as the people who experienced this tragedy firsthand hand such as Deja’s father who lost his co-workers and friends.
Why is knowledge of history a key subject in the book?
The importance of knowing history is highlighted since it aids the characters, particularly Deja, in making sense of their surroundings. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to take lessons from the past.
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