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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, or identify one theme and show three examples of it.
Examples of Themes in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Family
Zoe has never met her father and he is in prison, yet she gives him the benefit of the doubt and chooses to love and support him.
Friendship
Zoe’s friendship with Trevor is tested, but they are open with and forgiving of one another.
Courage
Zoe knew that lying to her parents and writing letters to Marcus could get her in trouble, but she had the courage to do what she thought was right.
Systemic Racism
Marcus was put in jail for a crime he didn’t commit; his lawyer didn’t even bother trying to find his alibi and assumed he was guilty because he was a young, African American man.
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from From the Desk of Zoe Washington 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.
Requirements:
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, or identify one theme and show three examples of it.
Examples of Themes in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Family
Zoe has never met her father and he is in prison, yet she gives him the benefit of the doubt and chooses to love and support him.
Friendship
Zoe’s friendship with Trevor is tested, but they are open with and forgiving of one another.
Courage
Zoe knew that lying to her parents and writing letters to Marcus could get her in trouble, but she had the courage to do what she thought was right.
Systemic Racism
Marcus was put in jail for a crime he didn’t commit; his lawyer didn’t even bother trying to find his alibi and assumed he was guilty because he was a young, African American man.
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from From the Desk of Zoe Washington 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.
Requirements:
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 From the Desk of Zoe Washington
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Themes in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Engage your students in a class conversation about key themes before they start their storyboards. Discussing as a group helps students deepen their understanding and connect ideas.
Prompt students with open-ended theme questions
Ask questions like, "What important ideas or messages do you notice in Zoe’s story?" Encourage students to think critically and share their thoughts freely.
Encourage students to support ideas with text evidence
Guide students to find specific examples from the book that relate to each theme. This practice strengthens reading comprehension and analytical skills.
Use anchor charts to track class-identified themes
Create a visual list of themes and examples on chart paper or the board. Visual reminders help students stay focused as they work independently.
Wrap up with a reflective closing circle
Invite students to share which theme stood out to them most and why. This builds community and gives every student a voice in the learning process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
What are the main themes in From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
From the Desk of Zoe Washington explores key themes such as family, friendship, courage, and systemic racism. The story highlights Zoe’s relationship with her father, the ups and downs of her friendship with Trevor, her bravery in seeking the truth, and the effects of racial injustice.
How can I teach themes from From the Desk of Zoe Washington to 4th-6th graders?
To teach themes, have students identify and illustrate recurring ideas in the story, such as family, friendship, and courage. Encourage them to create a storyboard with examples and short descriptions to deepen understanding and promote discussion.
What is an example of systemic racism in From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
An example is when Marcus, Zoe’s father, is wrongfully imprisoned due to assumptions based on his race. His lawyer neglects to find an alibi, highlighting the impact of systemic racism in the justice system.
Why is courage an important theme in From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
Courage is central because Zoe risks getting in trouble by writing to her father and searching for the truth. Her bravery inspires readers to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
What activities help students explore themes in From the Desk of Zoe Washington?
Effective activities include storyboarding key themes, illustrating scenes, writing short descriptions, and discussing how each theme appears in the story. These hands-on approaches engage students and reinforce understanding.
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington
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