Activity Overview
In this activity, students will determine a theme for Cinderella and support the theme with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is clearly depicted in Cinderella is the idea that kindness is rewarded. Another is that true beauty comes from inside. Cinderella’s sisters are not ugly on the outside, but their cruelty results in ugliness. Students can use a grid layout to depict the textual evidence that supports a theme of their choice.
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 from Cinderella. Illustrate examples of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme from Cinderella and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represent 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 determine a theme for Cinderella and support the theme with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is clearly depicted in Cinderella is the idea that kindness is rewarded. Another is that true beauty comes from inside. Cinderella’s sisters are not ugly on the outside, but their cruelty results in ugliness. Students can use a grid layout to depict the textual evidence that supports a theme of their choice.
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 from Cinderella. Illustrate examples of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme from Cinderella and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represent 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 Showing Themes in Cinderella
Incorporate Cinderella Theme Discussions into Class Debates
Boost student engagement by organizing a class debate where students discuss which theme in Cinderella is most important. This helps students practice critical thinking and respectful listening while deepening their understanding of literary themes.
Assign roles for each student in the debate
Ensure participation by giving every student a specific role, such as 'theme defender' or 'evidence finder.' Clear roles make expectations obvious and build confidence for sharing ideas.
Guide students to collect text evidence for their arguments
Encourage close reading by having students find and write down lines from Cinderella that support their assigned theme. This builds textual analysis skills and helps structure their debate points.
Facilitate the debate with time limits and respectful turn-taking
Keep the debate organized by setting short time limits for each speaker and using a talking object to signal whose turn it is. Model respectful listening and encourage students to respond to each other’s points.
Reflect on the discussion and connect themes to real life
Wrap up the activity by inviting students to share times when they have seen these themes in their own lives or other stories. This helps make the lesson meaningful and memorable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Showing Themes in Cinderella
What is a main theme in Cinderella for students to learn?
Kindness is rewarded is a main theme in Cinderella. The story teaches that showing kindness, even when treated unfairly, can lead to good outcomes.
How can I teach themes in Cinderella to 2nd or 3rd graders?
Use a storyboard activity where students identify a theme from Cinderella, illustrate examples from the story, and describe how each example supports that theme. This helps students connect evidence to the theme.
What are some examples of themes in Cinderella?
Common themes in Cinderella include kindness is rewarded, true beauty comes from within, and good triumphs over evil. Students can find moments in the story that support each theme.
Why teach themes using fairy tales like Cinderella?
Fairy tales like Cinderella have clear themes and familiar plots, making it easier for young students to identify and discuss the underlying messages.
What is a simple activity to help students find evidence for a theme in Cinderella?
Have students fill out a grid or storyboard where they pick a theme, then draw and describe scenes from Cinderella that support it. This visual approach supports comprehension and engagement.
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