Activity Overview
Theme is an important element to any piece of literature. The Common Core wants students to be able to identify themes and pick out details from the text to support their choices. There are many major and minor themes prevalent in this story. One prominent theme of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is the importance of family. Cassie is well aware of the importance of family throughout the book, and there are several instances when Cassie, or other characters, talk about family and what it means to them.
The Importance of Family
- Jeremy and His Siblings
Cassie and Stacey are surprised when Jeremy says he doesn't like his siblings. To the Logans, family is family, and is more important than anything else.
- Big Ma’s Memories
Big Ma tells Cassie about the past. Cassie has heard these stories before, but still wants to hear about her family.
- Mr. Morrison’s Family
During the time of Reconstruction, southern soldiers attacked the Morrison home. His mother got him away from the violence, but she and the rest of his family were killed. Mr. Morrison forced himself to remember. Now he has found a new family.
Other possible themes and motifs to look for and discuss:
- racism/prejudice
- intolerance
- injustice
- cruelty
- community
- personal strength
- peer pressure
- land as a sign of independence
- growing up/understanding truths
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 recurring themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represent 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 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. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Most descriptions attempt to explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
Activity Overview
Theme is an important element to any piece of literature. The Common Core wants students to be able to identify themes and pick out details from the text to support their choices. There are many major and minor themes prevalent in this story. One prominent theme of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is the importance of family. Cassie is well aware of the importance of family throughout the book, and there are several instances when Cassie, or other characters, talk about family and what it means to them.
The Importance of Family
- Jeremy and His Siblings
Cassie and Stacey are surprised when Jeremy says he doesn't like his siblings. To the Logans, family is family, and is more important than anything else.
- Big Ma’s Memories
Big Ma tells Cassie about the past. Cassie has heard these stories before, but still wants to hear about her family.
- Mr. Morrison’s Family
During the time of Reconstruction, southern soldiers attacked the Morrison home. His mother got him away from the violence, but she and the rest of his family were killed. Mr. Morrison forced himself to remember. Now he has found a new family.
Other possible themes and motifs to look for and discuss:
- racism/prejudice
- intolerance
- injustice
- cruelty
- community
- personal strength
- peer pressure
- land as a sign of independence
- growing up/understanding truths
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 recurring themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represent 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 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. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Most descriptions attempt to explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
How Tos about Depicting Themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Engage students in identifying and discussing theme evidence during read-alouds
Involve your class by pausing at key moments in the text to ask students what themes are emerging and why. Encourage students to cite specific words, actions, or events that support their ideas, helping them connect evidence to the theme.
Use anchor charts to track recurring themes and supporting details
Create a visible anchor chart where students can add examples of themes as they appear in the story. This collective tool helps students visualize patterns and strengthens their ability to notice and support themes.
Incorporate partner or small-group discussions to deepen theme understanding
Have students discuss in pairs or groups what themes they see and what evidence they find. Peer conversations often spark new insights and help students build confidence in analyzing literature.
Assign quick-write reflections connecting themes to students’ own lives
Ask students to write a short paragraph relating a theme from the book to their own experiences. Personal connections make abstract themes more relatable and memorable for students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Depicting Themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
What are the main themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry explores major themes like the importance of family, racism and prejudice, injustice, community, personal strength, and land as a sign of independence. These themes are woven throughout the characters’ experiences and struggles.
How can students identify themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas, character actions, and key events in the story. For example, noticing how family supports each other or how characters respond to injustice can reveal important themes.
Why is the importance of family a central theme in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
The importance of family is central because the Logan family’s unity helps them face racism and hardship. The story shows how love, support, and shared values empower them to stand up against adversity.
What are some examples of family supporting each other in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Examples include Cassie seeking comfort from her family, Big Ma sharing family stories, and the Logans protecting each other from harm. Mr. Morrison also finds a new sense of family with the Logans after losing his own.
How can teachers create a storyboard lesson about themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Teachers can guide students to identify a theme, choose story events that illustrate it, and create storyboard cells with images and descriptions. This helps students visually organize and explain the theme’s significance.
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
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