Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the story, and support their choices with details from the text.
An important theme is determination. Brady has incredible determination in searching for Ben and does not give up until he finds him.
Three pieces of evidence for this theme are:
- “If that red kayak was out there, I wanted to be the one to find it.”
- “Brady is freezing, but tells his mother, ‘I need to keep looking!’”
- “I ignored the rain, the cold - everything - and just continued. Five compressions, another breath, a quick check to make sure the boat was headed in the right direction.”
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 Red Kayak. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- 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.
- Click "Save & Exit" when 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 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 themes and symbols from the story, and support their choices with details from the text.
An important theme is determination. Brady has incredible determination in searching for Ben and does not give up until he finds him.
Three pieces of evidence for this theme are:
- “If that red kayak was out there, I wanted to be the one to find it.”
- “Brady is freezing, but tells his mother, ‘I need to keep looking!’”
- “I ignored the rain, the cold - everything - and just continued. Five compressions, another breath, a quick check to make sure the boat was headed in the right direction.”
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 Red Kayak. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- 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.
- Click "Save & Exit" when 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 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 Depicting Theme in Red Kayak
Organize a class discussion on determination in Red Kayak
Encourage students to share personal connections and examples of determination from the story. This builds critical thinking and helps everyone see how the theme relates to real life.
Brainstorm real-life situations where determination is important
Ask students to list times they needed determination in their lives. Relating the theme to their experiences deepens comprehension and engagement.
Create a determination journal entry with your class
Invite students to write a short journal entry about a moment when they or someone they know showed determination. This activity personalizes the theme and promotes reflection.
Connect theme evidence to character actions
Guide students to match specific actions by Brady to the theme of determination. This practice strengthens their text analysis skills and supports their storyboard work.
Celebrate perseverance with a class recognition wall
Create a visual display where students post examples of determination from the book and their own lives. This fosters a positive classroom culture around perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Depicting Theme in Red Kayak
What is the main theme in Red Kayak?
The main theme in Red Kayak is determination. The protagonist, Brady, shows unwavering determination as he searches for Ben, facing challenges like cold weather and fatigue but never giving up until he finds him.
How can I teach theme using Red Kayak?
To teach theme using Red Kayak, have students identify a central theme, find three supporting examples from the text, and illustrate each example in a storyboard. This helps students connect evidence to the theme visually and descriptively.
What are some examples of determination in Red Kayak?
Examples of determination in Red Kayak include Brady insisting on searching for Ben despite the weather, saying, “I need to keep looking,” and ignoring discomfort to continue life-saving efforts.
What is a quick Red Kayak storyboard lesson plan for 4th or 5th grade?
For a fast lesson, ask students to identify a theme in Red Kayak, find three text examples, illustrate each in a storyboard cell, and write a short description. This reinforces theme comprehension and supports visual learning.
Why use storyboards to teach themes, motifs, and symbols in Red Kayak?
Storyboards help students visually organize and demonstrate their understanding of themes, motifs, and symbols. They make abstract concepts concrete and support students in citing textual evidence from Red Kayak.
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