Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify a theme and support the theme with evidence from the text. One theme is greed.
King Midas Theme Example
Greed
In the fable, Midas already has more gold than any other King, but he still wants more. After being warned that he would not be happy with his wish, he doesn’t hesitate or consider the possible results. The morning after meeting the fairy, he awakes eagerly to test out his powers; the King turns his bed, chair, table, and food into gold. It’s not until he turns his own daughter into gold that he realizes the price of his greed.
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 a theme in King Midas' Golden Touch. Give three examples from the text. Illustrate and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme from King Midas' Golden Touch you wish to include and replace the "Theme" text.
- 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 and support the theme with evidence from the text. One theme is greed.
King Midas Theme Example
Greed
In the fable, Midas already has more gold than any other King, but he still wants more. After being warned that he would not be happy with his wish, he doesn’t hesitate or consider the possible results. The morning after meeting the fairy, he awakes eagerly to test out his powers; the King turns his bed, chair, table, and food into gold. It’s not until he turns his own daughter into gold that he realizes the price of his greed.
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 a theme in King Midas' Golden Touch. Give three examples from the text. Illustrate and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme from King Midas' Golden Touch you wish to include and replace the "Theme" text.
- 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 Theme of King Midas
How to guide students in discussing the consequences of greed using King Midas
Foster a class discussion about the real-life impacts of greed by connecting King Midas's choices to students' experiences. Encourage them to share times when wanting more led to problems, and use open-ended questions to deepen understanding.
Encourage students to make text-to-self connections
Invite students to relate events from King Midas's story to their own lives. Ask questions like, 'Have you ever wanted something so much that it caused a problem?' to help them build personal connections and empathy.
Use visual aids to illustrate the theme
Display images or create simple drawings showing key moments in the story, such as Midas turning objects into gold. This helps visual learners grasp the consequences of his actions more clearly.
Facilitate a role-play activity on decision-making
Organize a short role-play where students act out scenes from the story, focusing on Midas's choices. Guide them to discuss what could have happened if he made different decisions, reinforcing the lesson about greed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theme of King Midas
What is the main theme of King Midas and the Golden Touch?
The main theme of King Midas and the Golden Touch is the danger of greed. The story teaches that valuing wealth above all else can lead to negative consequences and personal loss.
How can students identify the theme in King Midas’s story?
Students can identify the theme by looking for repeated ideas or lessons in the story, such as how Midas’s desire for more gold affects him and those around him. Using specific examples, like when he turns his daughter to gold, helps support their ideas.
What are three examples from King Midas that show the theme of greed?
Three examples are: 1) Midas wishes for everything he touches to turn to gold, 2) he ignores warnings about his wish and is excited to test his new power, 3) he accidentally turns his daughter into gold, realizing the cost of his greed.
What is an easy classroom activity for teaching the theme of King Midas?
An easy activity is to have students create a storyboard that shows three scenes from the story representing the theme. They can draw or use images, then write short descriptions explaining each example of greed.
Why is understanding the theme of greed important for students?
Understanding the theme of greed helps students recognize how actions and choices have consequences. It encourages them to think critically about what really matters in life, beyond material wealth.
More Storyboard That Activities
King Midas' Golden Touch
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