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 Glory Be.
Examples of Themes in Glory Be
Courage
Glory shows courage many times throughout the story. One example of this is when she writes a letter to the editor of the Hanging Moss Tribune. The readers learn that Robbie is courageous when they learn that he was arrested for standing up for civil rights.
Friendship
Glory goes through a lot with her best friend, Frankie and their friendship is tested in many ways. Glory also values her friendship with Laura, even though many people thought she didn’t belong in town.
Inequality
During this time in the South, Black people were seen as “separate but equal”, but often not treated as such.
Fear
The theme of fear comes up in more than one way throughout the novel. One example is that many white people in town fear what will happen if their community pool is integrated. This fear causes anger and division within the town.
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 Glory Be. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Glory Be 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 Glory Be.
Examples of Themes in Glory Be
Courage
Glory shows courage many times throughout the story. One example of this is when she writes a letter to the editor of the Hanging Moss Tribune. The readers learn that Robbie is courageous when they learn that he was arrested for standing up for civil rights.
Friendship
Glory goes through a lot with her best friend, Frankie and their friendship is tested in many ways. Glory also values her friendship with Laura, even though many people thought she didn’t belong in town.
Inequality
During this time in the South, Black people were seen as “separate but equal”, but often not treated as such.
Fear
The theme of fear comes up in more than one way throughout the novel. One example is that many white people in town fear what will happen if their community pool is integrated. This fear causes anger and division within the town.
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 Glory Be. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Glory Be 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 Glory Be
Plan a Class Discussion on Book Themes
Engage students by inviting them to share their thoughts about the themes in Glory Be before starting the activity. This helps activate prior knowledge and makes the themes more meaningful.
Guide Students to Find Evidence in the Text
Prompt students to find quotes or scenes that support each identified theme. Encourage them to highlight or jot down page numbers as they read. This builds strong reading comprehension skills.
Model How to Connect Themes to Real Life
Share examples of how the story’s themes relate to everyday experiences or current events. Relating themes to real life helps students deepen understanding and see the relevance of literature.
Encourage Creative Illustrations of Themes
Invite students to use drawings, symbols, or digital images to represent each theme. Letting students be creative boosts engagement and helps them express their understanding visually.
Facilitate Peer Sharing and Feedback
Organize a gallery walk or partner share where students present their storyboards. Giving and receiving positive feedback encourages deeper thinking and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Glory Be
What are the main themes in Glory Be?
The main themes in Glory Be include courage, friendship, inequality, and fear. These themes explore how characters stand up for their beliefs, navigate relationships, face social injustice, and deal with difficult emotions.
How can students identify themes in Glory Be for a class project?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas or messages throughout the story. Encourage them to find specific examples or scenes that illustrate these themes, such as acts of courage or moments of friendship, and describe how they relate to the larger message of the novel.
What is an example of courage in Glory Be?
An example of courage in Glory Be is when Glory writes a letter to the editor of the Hanging Moss Tribune, standing up for what she believes is right. Robbie also shows courage by being arrested for supporting civil rights.
Why is the theme of inequality important in Glory Be?
The theme of inequality is important because it highlights the social and racial challenges faced in the South during the time period of the story. It helps students understand historical context and the impact of segregation on communities.
What activities can help students explore themes in Glory Be?
Effective activities include creating a storyboard that illustrates key themes, writing short descriptions for each example, and discussing how these themes appear in different scenes. These approaches encourage deeper understanding and engagement with the novel.
More Storyboard That Activities
Glory Be
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
