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 two of the themes in Beyond the Bright Sea. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Beyond the Bright Sea
Identity
The novel centers around Crow’s desire to find out about her past and who she really is. Not knowing about her parents keeps Crow from really knowing herself.
Family
Crow is being raised by Osh, who isn’t her biological father; the two of them have a powerful connection. Miss Maggie, also not blood related, is also like family to Crow. Crow also feels a powerful connection to her biological parents and brother, even though she has never met them.
Fear
There are many examples of fear throughout the story. One example is because Crow is from Penikese, the island of the lepers, people of Cuttyhunk think she has the disease and will not go near her. They fear her, and will not let go of their fear even though it is obvious that Crow does not have leprosy.
Love
When everyone else around her will not go near Crow, Osh and Miss Maggie are not afraid of her and love her very much. They all have a special bond even though they are not blood related.
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 Beyond the Bright Sea. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Beyond the Bright Sea 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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
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. |
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 two of the themes in Beyond the Bright Sea. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Beyond the Bright Sea
Identity
The novel centers around Crow’s desire to find out about her past and who she really is. Not knowing about her parents keeps Crow from really knowing herself.
Family
Crow is being raised by Osh, who isn’t her biological father; the two of them have a powerful connection. Miss Maggie, also not blood related, is also like family to Crow. Crow also feels a powerful connection to her biological parents and brother, even though she has never met them.
Fear
There are many examples of fear throughout the story. One example is because Crow is from Penikese, the island of the lepers, people of Cuttyhunk think she has the disease and will not go near her. They fear her, and will not let go of their fear even though it is obvious that Crow does not have leprosy.
Love
When everyone else around her will not go near Crow, Osh and Miss Maggie are not afraid of her and love her very much. They all have a special bond even though they are not blood related.
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 Beyond the Bright Sea. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Beyond the Bright Sea 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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
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 Tos about Themes in Beyond the Bright Sea
How to Facilitate a Thoughtful Class Discussion on Book Themes
Engage students in a group conversation about the major themes by preparing open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connections. Set the stage by asking students which themes stood out to them, and encourage them to share examples from the story or their own lives. This approach builds critical thinking and helps students relate literature to real-world experiences.
Guide students to identify key themes before reading
Introduce the concept of themes and ask students to predict possible themes based on the book’s title, cover, and summary. Previewing themes helps students read with purpose and enhances comprehension as they look for evidence throughout the story.
Encourage students to use evidence from the text
Remind students to cite specific passages or events that support their chosen themes. This practice develops close reading skills and strengthens their ability to justify interpretations with textual details.
Support students in illustrating themes creatively
Offer materials and digital tools for students to visualize themes through drawings, storyboards, or digital images. Encourage them to explain how their illustrations connect to the theme, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
Provide constructive feedback and celebrate diverse ideas
Review students’ theme work and offer specific praise for original thinking and clear connections to the story. Highlight unique approaches and encourage students to share and discuss their ideas with the class to build confidence and a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Beyond the Bright Sea
What are the main themes in Beyond the Bright Sea?
Beyond the Bright Sea explores several important themes, including identity, family, fear, and love. These themes show how Crow searches for her past, forms close bonds with those around her, faces prejudice, and experiences deep care from her chosen family.
How can students identify themes in Beyond the Bright Sea?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas or messages in the story, such as Crow’s quest to discover who she is or examples of love and acceptance. Teachers may ask students to illustrate or describe scenes that best represent each theme.
What is an example of the theme of identity in Beyond the Bright Sea?
An example of the identity theme is Crow’s desire to learn about her real parents and understand where she comes from. This search shapes her actions and feelings throughout the novel.
Why is the theme of family important in Beyond the Bright Sea?
The theme of family is important because Crow builds strong, loving relationships with Osh and Miss Maggie, even though they are not related by blood. These bonds show that family can be formed through care and connection, not just genetics.
How can teachers create a storyboard activity about themes in Beyond the Bright Sea?
Teachers can guide students to choose key themes, illustrate scenes that represent each, and write short descriptions. Using a storyboard helps students organize their thoughts and visually connect examples to each theme.
More Storyboard That Activities
Beyond the Bright Sea
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
