Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme, and this is the case in Once. For this activity, students will identify one theme in the story and illustrate examples from the text. Teachers may choose to assign themes for students to look out for as they read, or have students choose their own after completing the story.
Examples of Themes in Once
Friendship
Felix and Zelda form an unlikely bond. Felix saves her life and they become inseparable. Felix will do anything for Zelda. One example is when he goes out to find medicine for her when she is sick.
Resilience
Perhaps at the beginning, Felix is resilient because he truly doesn’t understand what’s going on. However, as the story unfolds, Felix remains positive and calm. He will do whatever it takes to escape, including jumping off of a train car.
Imagination
Felix’s imagination and stories keep him positive during the very difficult time.
Hope
Even when it becomes clear that his parents have probably been killed, Felix continues to hold out hope that he will find them.
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 a recurring theme in Once. Illustrate 3 examples of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify one theme from Once you wish to include and write it in the title box.
- Create images for 3 examples that represent this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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, and this is the case in Once. For this activity, students will identify one theme in the story and illustrate examples from the text. Teachers may choose to assign themes for students to look out for as they read, or have students choose their own after completing the story.
Examples of Themes in Once
Friendship
Felix and Zelda form an unlikely bond. Felix saves her life and they become inseparable. Felix will do anything for Zelda. One example is when he goes out to find medicine for her when she is sick.
Resilience
Perhaps at the beginning, Felix is resilient because he truly doesn’t understand what’s going on. However, as the story unfolds, Felix remains positive and calm. He will do whatever it takes to escape, including jumping off of a train car.
Imagination
Felix’s imagination and stories keep him positive during the very difficult time.
Hope
Even when it becomes clear that his parents have probably been killed, Felix continues to hold out hope that he will find them.
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 a recurring theme in Once. Illustrate 3 examples of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify one theme from Once you wish to include and write it in the title box.
- Create images for 3 examples that represent this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Once
Engage students in meaningful theme discussions with purposeful questions
Prompt students with open-ended questions about the story's themes to spark conversation and critical thinking. Encourage them to share personal connections and support their ideas with evidence from the text. This helps deepen understanding and makes theme analysis relevant to their lives.
Model how to find evidence for a theme in the text
Show students how to identify passages that support a chosen theme by reading aloud and thinking aloud. Highlight key words or actions that reveal the theme, so students can see the process in action and apply it themselves.
Guide students to organize their examples clearly
Help students use graphic organizers or storyboards to map out their examples for each theme. Encourage clear labeling and brief descriptions beneath each example to make their thinking visible and organized.
Encourage peer sharing and feedback on theme storyboards
Invite students to present their storyboards to small groups or the class. Facilitate constructive feedback by asking peers to note strengths and suggest ways to add more detail or clarity to the theme connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Once
What are the main themes in the book 'Once' by Morris Gleitzman?
'Once' explores key themes such as friendship, resilience, imagination, and hope. These themes shape Felix’s journey and highlight how he copes with adversity during challenging times.
How can students identify and illustrate themes in 'Once'?
Students can identify a theme by looking for recurring ideas or messages in 'Once'. To illustrate a theme, select three scenes that best represent it and create images or drawings, adding a brief description for each example.
What is a good activity for teaching themes in 'Once' to middle school students?
A recommended activity is a storyboard project where students pick one theme from 'Once', find three supporting examples, illustrate each scene, and write short descriptions, helping deepen their understanding of the book’s messages.
Why is resilience an important theme in 'Once'?
Resilience is central to 'Once' because Felix continually adapts and stays hopeful despite dangerous and uncertain circumstances, demonstrating the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
How does Felix show hope throughout the story?
Felix shows hope by believing he will find his parents, even when evidence suggests otherwise. His optimism helps him and others endure hardships and keep moving forward.
More Storyboard That Activities
Once
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