Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of “Casey at the Bat” and support it with evidence from the text.
One theme is “admiration”. Three examples for this theme are:
- The crowd wishes that Casey were up next at bat.
The text states, "They thought, 'If only Casey could but get a whack at that-"
- The crowd roars when Casey goes up to bat.
The text states, "For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat."
- Casey silences the crowd by raising his hand.
The text states, "And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.”
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 a theme in “Casey at the Bat”. Illustrate instances of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from “Casey at the Bat” 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 a theme of “Casey at the Bat” and support it with evidence from the text.
One theme is “admiration”. Three examples for this theme are:
- The crowd wishes that Casey were up next at bat.
The text states, "They thought, 'If only Casey could but get a whack at that-"
- The crowd roars when Casey goes up to bat.
The text states, "For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat."
- Casey silences the crowd by raising his hand.
The text states, "And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.”
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 a theme in “Casey at the Bat”. Illustrate instances of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from “Casey at the Bat” 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 Theme in \"Casey at the Bat\"
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Theme Using 'Casey at the Bat'
Engage students by guiding them to discuss the poem’s theme together. Collaborative conversations help students deepen their understanding and see multiple perspectives.
Prepare open-ended questions about the poem's message.
Craft questions like "What lesson do you think the author wants readers to learn?" or "How do the crowd’s reactions show admiration for Casey?" Open-ended prompts encourage thoughtful responses.
Encourage all students to share their ideas.
Invite participation by asking each student to offer an example or opinion. Creating an inclusive environment builds confidence and helps quieter students feel valued.
Connect student responses to specific lines from the text.
Guide students to support their ideas with evidence from the poem. This practice strengthens reading comprehension and analytical skills.
Summarize key points together as a class.
Wrap up by highlighting the main themes discussed and the evidence used. This reinforces understanding and gives closure to the discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Theme in \"Casey at the Bat\"
What is the main theme of 'Casey at the Bat'?
The main theme of "Casey at the Bat" is admiration for heroes and the unpredictability of success. The poem explores how expectations and public admiration can build up around one individual, only for outcomes to surprise everyone.
How can students identify a theme in 'Casey at the Bat'?
Students can identify a theme in "Casey at the Bat" by looking for repeated ideas, actions, or emotions in the text. They should use evidence such as character behavior and crowd reactions to support their chosen theme.
What are some examples of the theme 'admiration' in 'Casey at the Bat'?
Examples of admiration in the poem include the crowd wishing Casey were batting, cheering as he approaches, and respectfully falling silent when he raises his hand. These moments show how much the crowd looks up to Casey.
What is a quick activity to teach theme using 'Casey at the Bat'?
A simple activity is to have students create a storyboard identifying the theme, illustrating key moments, and writing short descriptions for each example from the poem.
Why is using a storyboard effective for teaching themes in poetry?
Using a storyboard helps students visually organize examples of a theme, making abstract ideas more concrete and supporting comprehension through both images and text.
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