Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of Mr. Popper's Penguins, and support it with evidence from the text.
One theme is "adventure". Mr. Popper has many adventures with his new pet penguins:
- Mr. Popper daydreams about adventures at the North and South Pole and regrets never having left Stillwater.
- Mr. Popper makes changes in the house to accommodate his new pet, Captain Cook.
- Mr. Popper ends up in jail with his twelve penguins after mistaking the Regal Theater for the Royal Theater.
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
Identify and illustrate themes from Mr. Popper's Penguins.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme in the story and write it on the row.
- Find three examples of the theme in the text and describe one in each cell.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
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
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of Mr. Popper's Penguins, and support it with evidence from the text.
One theme is "adventure". Mr. Popper has many adventures with his new pet penguins:
- Mr. Popper daydreams about adventures at the North and South Pole and regrets never having left Stillwater.
- Mr. Popper makes changes in the house to accommodate his new pet, Captain Cook.
- Mr. Popper ends up in jail with his twelve penguins after mistaking the Regal Theater for the Royal Theater.
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
Identify and illustrate themes from Mr. Popper's Penguins.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme in the story and write it on the row.
- Find three examples of the theme in the text and describe one in each cell.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
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 Themes in Mr. Popper\'s Penguins
Plan an Engaging Penguin-Themed Classroom Display
Create a vibrant visual display in your classroom to celebrate students' work on Mr. Popper's Penguins. Showcasing storyboards, artwork, and adventure facts can deepen connections and spark ongoing discussion about the book's themes.
Gather and Organize Student Work for the Display
Collect completed storyboards, theme illustrations, and written reflections from your students. Sort them by theme or character to make the display visually appealing and easy to navigate for both students and visitors.
Design Interactive Elements to Encourage Participation
Add interactive features like a question board ('Which adventure was your favorite?'), a penguin fact corner, or a space for students to write their own adventure endings. Inviting participation helps students engage more deeply with the text and each other.
Rotate Student Contributions Regularly
Update the display every week or two with new work or different themes. This keeps the display fresh and encourages ongoing student involvement, giving everyone a chance to shine.
Invite Reflection and Discussion Around the Display
Use the display as a springboard for quick class discussions or reflection activities. Ask students to share what they notice, connect themes to their own lives, or suggest new adventures for Mr. Popper and his penguins.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Mr. Popper\'s Penguins
What are the main themes in Mr. Popper's Penguins?
Mr. Popper's Penguins explores themes such as adventure, imagination, adaptation, and family. Characters embrace new challenges, adapt to unexpected situations, and discover the joy of curiosity and exploration.
How can I teach themes in Mr. Popper's Penguins to 4th or 5th graders?
Use storyboards to help students identify and illustrate themes. Ask students to find examples of a theme in the text, describe them, and create drawings for each. This approach makes abstract ideas more concrete and engaging.
What is an example of the adventure theme in Mr. Popper's Penguins?
One key example is Mr. Popper's excitement about traveling to the North and South Pole, which leads to imaginative adventures with his pet penguins at home and even an unexpected trip to jail!
Why is using storyboards effective for teaching literary themes?
Storyboards let students visually organize thoughts, connect textual evidence to themes, and deepen understanding through creativity, making abstract concepts more accessible for young learners.
What are some easy lesson ideas for teaching motifs and symbols in Mr. Popper's Penguins?
Have students identify recurring symbols like penguins or ice, discuss their meaning, and illustrate scenes showing these motifs. Group discussions or quick drawing activities help reinforce understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
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