Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify a theme of the novel, and support their choice with details from the text. One theme is friendship, and another is violence.
Friendship
Karana makes an unlikely friend in Rontu, the leader of the wild dogs who killed her brother. Another example is Karana befriending Tutok, a descendent of the Aleutians who killed her father. A third example is Karana becoming friends with wild dogs, a sea otter, and birds.
Violence
Chief Chowig and the other men are massacred by Captain Orlov and the Aleuts. Another example of violence is Ramu being attacked and killed by wild dogs. The last example is when Karana decides that she will not kill any other animals.
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 themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- Create an image for an example that represents 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 identify a theme of the novel, and support their choice with details from the text. One theme is friendship, and another is violence.
Friendship
Karana makes an unlikely friend in Rontu, the leader of the wild dogs who killed her brother. Another example is Karana befriending Tutok, a descendent of the Aleutians who killed her father. A third example is Karana becoming friends with wild dogs, a sea otter, and birds.
Violence
Chief Chowig and the other men are massacred by Captain Orlov and the Aleuts. Another example of violence is Ramu being attacked and killed by wild dogs. The last example is when Karana decides that she will not kill any other animals.
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 themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- Create an image for an example that represents 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 Identifying Themes: Island of the Blue Dolphins
Incorporate theme analysis into a class discussion
Engage students by inviting them to share which themes they identified in Island of the Blue Dolphins and explain their choices. Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and participation. This helps students verbalize their reasoning and learn from each other's perspectives.
Model how to connect text evidence to theme
Demonstrate selecting a passage from the novel and explain how it supports a specific theme, such as friendship or violence. Show students how to use quotes or details from the book to make their case, reinforcing the importance of textual evidence in literary analysis.
Guide students in creating theme anchor charts
Have students collaborate to make an anchor chart for each theme, listing examples and illustrations from the book. Post these charts around the classroom as visual reminders. This strategy reinforces theme recognition and provides ongoing reference for future lessons.
Encourage students to reflect on themes in their own lives
Ask students to write or share how they have experienced friendship or overcoming violence in their own lives. Making personal connections to the themes helps deepen comprehension and makes learning more meaningful for your students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Themes: Island of the Blue Dolphins
What are the main themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Island of the Blue Dolphins explores themes such as friendship, violence, survival, and forgiveness. The story highlights Karana's unlikely friendships with animals and the challenges of violence and loss on the island.
How can students identify themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas and significant events in the novel. For example, notice how Karana's relationships with animals and people reveal themes of friendship and survival.
What is an example of friendship in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
One example is when Karana befriends Rontu, the wild dog who was once her enemy. Their bond grows throughout the story, showing the theme of friendship and trust.
How does violence impact the characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Violence deeply affects Karana, as she loses her father and brother. These events shape her decisions and growth, such as her choice to no longer harm animals, highlighting both loss and compassion.
What is a simple classroom activity to teach themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Have students create a storyboard that identifies and illustrates different themes from the novel. They can draw scenes and write short descriptions for each, encouraging deeper understanding.
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Island of the Blue Dolphins
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