Activity Overview
There are many themes present throughout the novel Amina's Voice. In this activity, students will identify themes and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found!
Examples of Themes in Amina's Voice
- Anti-Muslim Bigotry
- Courage
- Speaking Up for Oneself
- Upstander vs. Bystander: Being an Ally
- Friendship
- Family
- Culture
- Muslim-Americans
- Community
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 found in Amina's Voice. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Amina's Voice you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
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
There are many themes present throughout the novel Amina's Voice. In this activity, students will identify themes and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found!
Examples of Themes in Amina's Voice
- Anti-Muslim Bigotry
- Courage
- Speaking Up for Oneself
- Upstander vs. Bystander: Being an Ally
- Friendship
- Family
- Culture
- Muslim-Americans
- Community
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 found in Amina's Voice. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Amina's Voice you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
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 Themes in Amina\'s Voice
Organize meaningful classroom discussions about themes
Encourage students to share insights and connect themes to real life in guided group talks. Open-ended questions help promote deeper thinking and allow everyone to participate.
Build background knowledge before reading
Introduce key concepts and vocabulary related to the novel's themes. This supports comprehension and makes it easier for students to spot important ideas as they read.
Model how to identify a theme with a think-aloud
Demonstrate your thought process by reading a passage aloud and explaining how you spot a theme. This helps students see practical strategies for theme identification.
Use anchor charts to track recurring themes
Create a visual chart together that lists themes and adds examples as you read. Refer back to this chart to help students make connections and reinforce learning.
Assign creative projects for theme exploration
Invite students to make posters, digital slides, or short skits to represent a theme from the novel. Creative expression deepens understanding and builds engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Amina\'s Voice
What are the main themes in Amina's Voice?
Amina's Voice explores important themes such as anti-Muslim bigotry, courage, speaking up for oneself, friendship, family, culture, and what it means to be a Muslim-American. The novel also addresses the difference between being an upstander and a bystander in the face of prejudice.
How can students identify themes in Amina's Voice?
Students can identify themes in Amina's Voice by tracking recurring ideas, actions, and character decisions as they read. They can use activities like spider maps or envelope activities to organize and illustrate examples of key themes from the story.
What is a spider map activity for teaching themes?
A spider map is a visual organizer that helps students break down a central theme and connect it to specific examples from the text. In this activity, students place the theme in the center and draw lines to scenes, characters, or events that illustrate it.
Why is discussing anti-Muslim bigotry important in middle school literature?
Discussing anti-Muslim bigotry in middle school literature fosters empathy and cultural understanding. It helps students recognize prejudice, learn how to be allies, and reflect on the impact of discrimination in real life and fiction.
What is the difference between an upstander and a bystander in Amina's Voice?
An upstander is someone who actively supports and defends others against injustice, while a bystander observes but does not intervene. Amina's Voice highlights the importance of choosing to be an upstander, especially when faced with prejudice or bullying.
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