Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify one or more themes and support them with evidence from the text.
Example Themes from Bridge to Terabithia
Friendship
The characters either experience true friendship, or desire it.
- May Belle hopes the new neighbors have a girl her age.
- Jess and Leslie become the best of friends, spending much of their time in Terabithia.
- Janice Avery's “friends” blab to everyone in the seventh grade that her father beats her.
Courage
Leslie inspires Jess to be more courageous.
- Jess insists that Gary Fulcher let Leslie race even though she is a girl.
- Jess and Leslie prank Janice Avery, sneaking into the classroom to leave the note.
- Jess is afraid of many things and wishes to become fearless, like Leslie.
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 Bridge to Terabithia. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Bridge to Terabithia 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 one or more themes and support them with evidence from the text.
Example Themes from Bridge to Terabithia
Friendship
The characters either experience true friendship, or desire it.
- May Belle hopes the new neighbors have a girl her age.
- Jess and Leslie become the best of friends, spending much of their time in Terabithia.
- Janice Avery's “friends” blab to everyone in the seventh grade that her father beats her.
Courage
Leslie inspires Jess to be more courageous.
- Jess insists that Gary Fulcher let Leslie race even though she is a girl.
- Jess and Leslie prank Janice Avery, sneaking into the classroom to leave the note.
- Jess is afraid of many things and wishes to become fearless, like Leslie.
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 Bridge to Terabithia. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Bridge to Terabithia 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 Identifying Themes in Bridge to Terabithia
Easily Guide Students to Find Text Evidence for Themes
Empower students to connect themes to specific parts of the story by guiding them to identify text evidence. This boosts reading comprehension and critical thinking as students support their ideas with clear examples.
Model Finding a Theme-Related Quote Together
Show students how to find a quote or passage that illustrates a theme by reading a short section aloud and thinking aloud about how it relates to friendship or courage. Demonstrate how to jot down the page number and a brief note.
Create a Class Anchor Chart for Theme Evidence
Make a large chart listing key themes (like Friendship and Courage) down one side and space to collect student-found evidence underneath each. Refer back to the chart during reading discussions.
Assign Students to Work in Pairs to Collect Evidence
Pair up students and assign each pair a theme to track. Encourage them to find at least two examples in the text and discuss why each supports their assigned theme. This builds collaboration and deeper understanding.
Share and Discuss Evidence as a Class
Invite pairs to share the evidence they found. Discuss as a class how each example supports the theme, helping students see multiple perspectives and strengthen their analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Themes in Bridge to Terabithia
What are the main themes in Bridge to Terabithia?
Bridge to Terabithia explores key themes such as friendship, courage, and imagination. The novel highlights the deep bond between Jess and Leslie, their bravery in facing challenges, and the power of a creative world they build together.
How can students identify themes in Bridge to Terabithia?
Students can identify themes by looking for repeated ideas, character actions, and important events in the story. Creating a storyboard with examples and descriptions helps students connect evidence from the text to each theme.
What is a good activity for teaching themes in Bridge to Terabithia?
A great activity is having students create a storyboard that illustrates and explains different themes. This visual approach encourages students to find textual evidence and deepen their understanding of the novel’s messages.
Why is friendship an important theme in Bridge to Terabithia?
Friendship is central because it drives much of the plot and character growth. Jess and Leslie’s relationship helps them face fears, overcome loneliness, and learn valuable life lessons together.
What are some examples of courage in Bridge to Terabithia?
Courage is shown when Jess stands up for Leslie in the race, when they prank Janice Avery, and as Jess tries to overcome his fears. Leslie inspires Jess to be braver throughout the story.
More Storyboard That Activities
Bridge to Terabithia
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