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 two of the themes in Ella Enchanted. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Ella Enchanted
Selflessness
Ella’s selflessness is evident throughout the story. Perhaps her greatest act of selflessness is when she refuses Char’s marriage proposal in order to keep him safe, even though she loves him and wants to be his wife.
Power
Although Ella is born into wealth and privilege, her gift of obedience causes her to lose control of her own actions. She does not have the power to make her own choices. Hattie abuses her power by tormenting and tricking Ella into doing things she doesn’t want to do.
Wealth
Wealth and status is a major theme of the story. Her father lost all his money, and her new step family is obsessed with wealth and having nice things. Ella, on the other hand, doesn’t care about money, and it turns out that Char doesn’t either.
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 Ella Enchanted. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Ella Enchanted 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.
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 two of the themes in Ella Enchanted. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Ella Enchanted
Selflessness
Ella’s selflessness is evident throughout the story. Perhaps her greatest act of selflessness is when she refuses Char’s marriage proposal in order to keep him safe, even though she loves him and wants to be his wife.
Power
Although Ella is born into wealth and privilege, her gift of obedience causes her to lose control of her own actions. She does not have the power to make her own choices. Hattie abuses her power by tormenting and tricking Ella into doing things she doesn’t want to do.
Wealth
Wealth and status is a major theme of the story. Her father lost all his money, and her new step family is obsessed with wealth and having nice things. Ella, on the other hand, doesn’t care about money, and it turns out that Char doesn’t either.
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 Ella Enchanted. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Ella Enchanted 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.
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 Ella Enchanted
Organize a thematic discussion circle for deeper understanding
Foster meaningful conversation by arranging students in small groups to discuss themes such as selflessness, power, and wealth. This format encourages active participation and helps students make personal connections to the story.
Assign theme roles to students for collaborative analysis
Give each student or pair a specific theme to focus on, such as selflessness, power, or wealth. Encourage them to find textual evidence and present their findings to the class, promoting ownership and teamwork.
Use graphic organizers to map theme examples
Provide students with graphic organizers to visually map out multiple examples of a chosen theme from the book. This strategy helps learners see connections and organize their thoughts effectively.
Integrate art by having students illustrate their theme findings
Invite students to create illustrations or comics that depict moments from the story representing their assigned theme. This creative activity deepens comprehension and makes learning memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Ella Enchanted
What are the main themes in Ella Enchanted?
Ella Enchanted explores several major themes, including selflessness, power, and wealth. The story highlights how Ella’s selflessness shapes her choices, the struggle for personal power, and differing attitudes toward money and status.
How can students identify themes in Ella Enchanted for a classroom activity?
Students can identify themes by looking for key ideas that recur throughout the story, such as selflessness or power. They can then illustrate examples of these themes using scenes or characters and write short descriptions to explain their choices.
Why is selflessness an important theme in Ella Enchanted?
Selflessness is central because Ella often puts others' needs before her own. Her most notable act is refusing Char’s proposal to protect him, showing how caring for others guides her actions even when it’s difficult.
What is the impact of power and obedience on Ella’s choices?
Ella’s magical obedience curse causes her to lose control over her own actions, highlighting the theme of power and its misuse. This struggle influences the plot and Ella's personal growth throughout the story.
What are some classroom activities to help students explore themes in Ella Enchanted?
Teachers can assign students to create storyboards that identify and illustrate themes, use text evidence to support their choices, and discuss how these themes relate to real life or other literature.
More Storyboard That Activities
Ella Enchanted
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