Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme, and it helps inform the story. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate the themes in Calico Girl. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show three examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Calico Girl
Education
Callie is a very smart girl, and education is important to her and her family.
Freedom
Callie wonders what it feels like to be truly free. She loses Joseph to the slave trade, and she is somewhat thankful that Little Charlie will never have to know what it’s like to be enslaved.
Family
Callie’s family is very close. Even though Joseph isn’t her brother by blood, he was a brother to her.
Courage
Hampton saves a drowning soldier even though he knows it is a huge risk.
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 Calico Girl. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Calico Girl 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, and it helps inform the story. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate the themes in Calico Girl. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show three examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Calico Girl
Education
Callie is a very smart girl, and education is important to her and her family.
Freedom
Callie wonders what it feels like to be truly free. She loses Joseph to the slave trade, and she is somewhat thankful that Little Charlie will never have to know what it’s like to be enslaved.
Family
Callie’s family is very close. Even though Joseph isn’t her brother by blood, he was a brother to her.
Courage
Hampton saves a drowning soldier even though he knows it is a huge risk.
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 Calico Girl. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Calico Girl 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 Analyzing Themes in Calico Girl
How to Facilitate a Thoughtful Class Discussion on Themes in Calico Girl
Engage students in a meaningful conversation about themes by creating a safe space for all voices. Encourage respectful listening and thoughtful responses to build deeper understanding and empathy.
Prepare open-ended questions for your discussion.
Ask questions like, “Why do you think freedom is important to Callie?” or “How does courage show up in the story?” to prompt critical thinking and personal connection.
Set clear discussion expectations.
Explain that everyone should listen respectfully, take turns, and support ideas with evidence from the book. This helps students feel valued and heard.
Use visual aids to reinforce key themes.
Display student storyboards or theme charts as visual prompts during the discussion to spark ideas and keep students focused on the central messages.
Encourage students to connect themes to their own lives.
Ask students to share personal experiences or examples related to the themes, such as times they showed courage or valued family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing Themes in Calico Girl
What are the main themes in Calico Girl?
Calico Girl explores several key themes, including education, freedom, family, and courage. Each theme is woven throughout the story to give readers a deeper understanding of the characters’ experiences and values.
How can students identify and illustrate themes in Calico Girl?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas or messages in the story. To illustrate them, they can create a storyboard with scenes, characters, and items that represent each theme, then write a short description explaining their choices.
What is an example of the education theme in Calico Girl?
An example of the education theme is how Callie and her family value learning. Callie’s intelligence and her family’s support for her education highlight its importance in their lives.
Why is freedom an important theme in Calico Girl?
Freedom is central to Calico Girl because Callie’s journey is shaped by her longing for freedom—for herself and her loved ones. The story examines what it means to be truly free, especially in the context of slavery and its aftermath.
What is the best way to teach themes from Calico Girl to grades 4-6?
The best way is to use storyboard activities where students identify, illustrate, and describe examples of themes from the book. This visual and written approach helps young learners engage with the material and deepen their understanding.
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