Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of “Bird Came Down the Walk” and support it with evidence from the text.
The main theme of the poem is nature. Three examples showing this theme are:
- The narrator watches a bird in nature; the bird splits a worm in two and eats it.
- The bird drinks morning dew from the grass and lets a beetle pass by.
- The narrator compares the bird’s flight to a butterfly’s.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies themes in "A Bird Came Down the Walk". Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from "A Bird Came Down the Walk" you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of “Bird Came Down the Walk” and support it with evidence from the text.
The main theme of the poem is nature. Three examples showing this theme are:
- The narrator watches a bird in nature; the bird splits a worm in two and eats it.
- The bird drinks morning dew from the grass and lets a beetle pass by.
- The narrator compares the bird’s flight to a butterfly’s.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies themes in "A Bird Came Down the Walk". Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from "A Bird Came Down the Walk" you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
How Tos about Illustrating Themes in \"A Bird Came Down the Walk\"
Integrate theme analysis into class discussions for deeper understanding
Guide students to connect textual evidence with themes by prompting them to share their storyboard examples during a group conversation. Encouraging peer discussion helps reinforce comprehension and exposes students to multiple perspectives on the poem’s meaning.
Prompt students to justify their storyboard choices with quotes from the poem
Ask students to cite specific lines when explaining their illustrations. This practice helps them develop close reading skills and strengthens their ability to support interpretations with textual evidence.
Encourage students to depict both literal and symbolic aspects of the poem
Have students illustrate not only what happens but also what those moments represent (e.g., freedom, gentleness, or fear). This deepens their understanding of how symbols and motifs convey theme.
Facilitate a gallery walk for students to review and reflect on peers’ storyboards
Organize a classroom display where students view each other's work and leave positive feedback or questions. This fosters a supportive environment and provides new insights into the poem’s themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Themes in \"A Bird Came Down the Walk\"
What is the main theme of "A Bird Came Down the Walk"?
The main theme of "A Bird Came Down the Walk" is the beauty and unpredictability of nature. The poem explores how everyday moments with animals reveal deeper connections between humans and the natural world.
How can students illustrate themes from "A Bird Came Down the Walk" in a storyboard?
Students can illustrate themes by selecting key moments from the poem, creating images for each, and writing short descriptions that explain how these moments reflect the chosen theme, such as the bird's actions or the narrator's observations.
What are some examples of nature imagery in "A Bird Came Down the Walk"?
Examples of nature imagery in the poem include the bird splitting a worm, drinking dew from the grass, letting a beetle pass, and flying away like a butterfly. These images highlight the delicate balance of life in nature.
Why is using storyboards effective for teaching poem themes to elementary students?
Storyboards help elementary students visualize key ideas, making abstract themes more concrete and memorable. They encourage creativity and comprehension by combining text evidence with illustrations.
What steps should I follow to create a theme-based storyboard for "A Bird Came Down the Walk"?
To create a theme-based storyboard: 1) Identify the poem’s theme, 2) Select examples from the text, 3) Create images for each example, and 4) Write brief descriptions explaining how each scene represents the theme.
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