Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify a common theme in the story and support with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is very evident in Amos and Boris is friendship. Amos and Boris are an unlikely pair, yet they become the best of friends.
Steig conveys to the readers that even despite their drastic differences, Amos and Boris, became the best of friends. This asks the reader, what makes a good friend and why is friendship so special? Students can brainstorm a list of qualities they hope to find in a friend and then compare that to the qualities found in Boris and Amos’ friendship.
Other themes that students could choose are:
- helping others
- courage
- similarities and differences.
Students can create a storyboard to visually show the theme of friendship.
Here is an example for friendship:
Example 1:
Boris shows friendship to Amos by saving him and offering to take him to shore before meeting with the other whales. During the long journey, they talk and become the best of friends. Amos told Boris that he was grateful and that if Boris ever needed his help he would be happy to give it.
Example 2:
Amos shows friendship to Boris by saving his life. A hurricane forced Boris up on the shore and the quick thinking mouse ran to get elephants to push Boris back to the sea.
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 recurring themes in Amos and Boris. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Amos and Boris 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
In this activity, students will identify a common theme in the story and support with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is very evident in Amos and Boris is friendship. Amos and Boris are an unlikely pair, yet they become the best of friends.
Steig conveys to the readers that even despite their drastic differences, Amos and Boris, became the best of friends. This asks the reader, what makes a good friend and why is friendship so special? Students can brainstorm a list of qualities they hope to find in a friend and then compare that to the qualities found in Boris and Amos’ friendship.
Other themes that students could choose are:
- helping others
- courage
- similarities and differences.
Students can create a storyboard to visually show the theme of friendship.
Here is an example for friendship:
Example 1:
Boris shows friendship to Amos by saving him and offering to take him to shore before meeting with the other whales. During the long journey, they talk and become the best of friends. Amos told Boris that he was grateful and that if Boris ever needed his help he would be happy to give it.
Example 2:
Amos shows friendship to Boris by saving his life. A hurricane forced Boris up on the shore and the quick thinking mouse ran to get elephants to push Boris back to the sea.
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 recurring themes in Amos and Boris. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Amos and Boris 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 Themes in Amos and Boris
How to lead a classroom discussion about friendship using Amos and Boris
Guide students in connecting the story to their own lives by asking open-ended questions about friendship and encouraging everyone to share personal experiences. This helps students relate to the text and build empathy.
Encourage students to identify qualities of a good friend
Ask students to brainstorm and list qualities they value in a friend. Compare these qualities to those demonstrated by Amos and Boris to reinforce text-to-self connections.
Create a visual anchor chart of friendship qualities
Work with the class to make a colorful chart highlighting specific traits of good friends. Refer to this chart during future lessons to reinforce positive social skills.
Model respectful dialogue about differences
Demonstrate how Amos and Boris become friends despite their differences. Encourage students to share how they can appreciate diversity in their own friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Amos and Boris
What are the main themes in Amos and Boris?
Amos and Boris explores themes such as friendship, helping others, courage, and appreciating similarities and differences. The story highlights how two very different characters can become close friends by supporting and caring for each other.
How can students identify themes in Amos and Boris?
Students can identify themes by looking for repeated ideas or messages in the story. They should use text evidence—like quotes or character actions—to support their ideas, and can create storyboards to illustrate each theme.
What is a good example of friendship in Amos and Boris?
A strong example is when Boris saves Amos by taking him to shore and, later, Amos saves Boris with the help of elephants. These moments show their loyalty and willingness to help each other, demonstrating true friendship.
How can I teach the theme of friendship using Amos and Boris?
You can have students brainstorm qualities of a good friend, compare their list to Amos and Boris's actions, and create storyboards or write short descriptions showing how the characters demonstrate friendship throughout the story.
What activity can help students understand themes in Amos and Boris?
Ask students to create a storyboard that illustrates key themes, such as friendship or helping others. They should draw scenes from the book and write brief descriptions explaining how each scene represents a theme.
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