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 the themes in Dragonwings. 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 Dragonwings
Family
Moon Shadow had never met his father, and when he does, he has an enormous amount of respect for him. Windrider gave up everything for his family by moving to America many years ago, and makes money so they can all have a better life.
Friendship
It is clear that Moon Shadow’s friends are like family in America. The Whitlaws and the Company became very close to Windrider and Moon Shadow, and helped them a great deal in many ways.
Race
As a Chinese immigrant, Moon Shadow experiences many cultural differences. He and the other Tang people endure cruel racism and discrimination from the white people around them, whom they call “demons”. As Moon Shadow meets more kind “demons”, he realizes that not all Americans are bad people.
Dreams
Windrider has a big dream of building and flying his own airplane. Although it takes a long time and a lot of money, he never gives up and achieves his dream.
The Afterlife
Throughout the novel, the characters speak of previous and future lives. They believe in many lives, and honor the dead a great deal.
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 Dragonwings. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Dragonwings 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 the themes in Dragonwings. 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 Dragonwings
Family
Moon Shadow had never met his father, and when he does, he has an enormous amount of respect for him. Windrider gave up everything for his family by moving to America many years ago, and makes money so they can all have a better life.
Friendship
It is clear that Moon Shadow’s friends are like family in America. The Whitlaws and the Company became very close to Windrider and Moon Shadow, and helped them a great deal in many ways.
Race
As a Chinese immigrant, Moon Shadow experiences many cultural differences. He and the other Tang people endure cruel racism and discrimination from the white people around them, whom they call “demons”. As Moon Shadow meets more kind “demons”, he realizes that not all Americans are bad people.
Dreams
Windrider has a big dream of building and flying his own airplane. Although it takes a long time and a lot of money, he never gives up and achieves his dream.
The Afterlife
Throughout the novel, the characters speak of previous and future lives. They believe in many lives, and honor the dead a great deal.
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 Dragonwings. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Dragonwings 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 Dragonwings
Organize a class discussion on themes before starting the storyboard activity
Engage students in a collaborative conversation about themes in Dragonwings. This helps build understanding and encourages participation when students begin their own storyboards.
Model analyzing a story excerpt for theme with the whole class
Read a short passage aloud and think aloud as you identify clues about the story’s theme. This demonstration shows students how to connect details to themes in context.
Provide sentence starters and guiding questions for theme identification
Give students sentence starters such as “A big idea in this chapter is…” or “This event shows that…”. Guiding questions help students focus their thinking and make theme identification easier.
Encourage students to use evidence from the text in their storyboard descriptions
Remind students to include quotes or specific details from Dragonwings when writing their descriptions. Textual evidence strengthens their understanding and explanations of each theme.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Dragonwings
What are the main themes in Dragonwings?
Dragonwings explores several key themes, including family, friendship, race and discrimination, dreams, and belief in the afterlife. These themes reflect the struggles and hopes of Chinese immigrants in early 20th-century America.
How can students identify and illustrate themes in Dragonwings?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas or messages in the story. To illustrate them, they might create a storyboard, drawing scenes that represent each theme and writing short descriptions to explain their choices.
Why is family an important theme in Dragonwings?
Family is central to Dragonwings, as Moon Shadow's relationship with his father, Windrider, shows the sacrifices and deep respect within immigrant families. The story highlights how family bonds help characters overcome challenges.
What is an example of the theme of race in Dragonwings?
Moon Shadow and his community face racism and discrimination from white Americans. However, as he befriends kind Americans, he learns not all are prejudiced, showing the complex theme of race in the novel.
How does the theme of dreams influence the characters in Dragonwings?
The theme of dreams drives Windrider to pursue building and flying his own airplane. His determination inspires others, teaching readers about perseverance and hope.
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