Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate 2 of the themes in Rules. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 2 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Rules
Friendship
Catherine dreams of the perfect friendship with her cool new neighbor, Kristi. However, the friendship doesn’t seem to blossom, as the girls are more different than Catherine had hoped. On the other hand, Catherine forms a strong friendship with Jason, who is the last person she ever thought she’d be friends with. Friendship often comes in the most surprising places.
Acceptance
It is often very difficult for Catherine to accept David as he is; he can be embarrassing and very difficult. Catherine desperately wants to be accepted and liked by Kristi, until she realizes that accepting herself and who she is is far more important.
Communication
Catherine communicates with the other characters in the book in different ways. With her brother David, she communicates with him through a set of rules, and through dialogue from the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel. She communicates with Jason using word cards, and she struggles to communicate with Kristi, for fear that Kristi won’t be her friend if she knows all about her.
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 recurring themes in Rules. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Rules you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate 2 of the themes in Rules. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 2 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Rules
Friendship
Catherine dreams of the perfect friendship with her cool new neighbor, Kristi. However, the friendship doesn’t seem to blossom, as the girls are more different than Catherine had hoped. On the other hand, Catherine forms a strong friendship with Jason, who is the last person she ever thought she’d be friends with. Friendship often comes in the most surprising places.
Acceptance
It is often very difficult for Catherine to accept David as he is; he can be embarrassing and very difficult. Catherine desperately wants to be accepted and liked by Kristi, until she realizes that accepting herself and who she is is far more important.
Communication
Catherine communicates with the other characters in the book in different ways. With her brother David, she communicates with him through a set of rules, and through dialogue from the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel. She communicates with Jason using word cards, and she struggles to communicate with Kristi, for fear that Kristi won’t be her friend if she knows all about her.
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 recurring themes in Rules. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Rules you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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 Rules
Plan a Mini-Lesson on Exploring Theme Through Discussion
Encourage students to discuss themes by planning a short, focused conversation. Shared dialogue helps students deepen their understanding of story messages.
Select a key scene from Rules to read aloud
Choose a scene that highlights a main theme, such as friendship or acceptance. Reading aloud allows all students to focus on language and context together.
Ask open-ended questions about the theme
Prompt students with questions like “What is Catherine learning here?” or “How does this part show friendship or acceptance?” Open-ended questions invite participation and deeper thinking.
Record student ideas on the board or chart paper
Write down key words, phrases, or examples students share. Visual notes help everyone track the discussion and see connections.
Wrap up with a quick reflection
Ask students to share one thing they noticed about the theme or how it relates to their own lives. Reflection makes the theme more meaningful and personal for each student.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Rules
What are the main themes in the book Rules by Cynthia Lord?
Rules by Cynthia Lord explores key themes such as friendship, acceptance, and communication. The story shows how Catherine learns about accepting others and herself, the complexities of friendship, and different ways people communicate.
How can students identify themes in Rules for a classroom activity?
Students can identify themes in Rules by looking for recurring ideas, challenges, and lessons the characters experience. They should find specific scenes or examples that show these themes and illustrate or describe them in a storyboard or worksheet.
What is a simple way to explain the theme of acceptance in Rules?
The theme of acceptance in Rules means learning to appreciate people for who they are, including their differences. Catherine learns to accept her brother David and herself, realizing that being true to yourself is more important than trying to fit in.
Can you give examples of friendship as a theme in Rules?
In Rules, Catherine hopes to become friends with Kristi but struggles because they are different. Unexpectedly, she builds a strong friendship with Jason, showing that real friends can come from unlikely places. These relationships highlight the theme of friendship throughout the book.
What is a quick classroom activity for teaching themes in Rules?
Teachers can ask students to create a storyboard that identifies two themes from Rules. For each theme, students draw a scene and write a short description explaining how that scene represents the theme. This makes theme identification interactive and visual.
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