Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of Shiloh and support it with evidence from the text.
Example Themes from Shiloh
Honesty
When Judd questions Marty about the dog, he stutters and states hesitantly, “Haven’t seen any dog of any kind in our yard all day.”
David asks to come over to Marty’s house but Marty lies saying, “Ma’s had this sort of headache lately, and she can’t take any noise at all.”
“I never kept a secret from your dad in the fourteen years we’ve been married.”
Determination
“I’d made a promise to Judd Travers I wasn’t going to keep, Jesus help me. But I’m making one to Shiloh that I will, God strike me dead.”
“But the more I sit there petting his head, feeling his happiness, the more I know I can’t give him up. I won’t.”
Marty realizes that he is blackmailing Judd, but thinks, "I'd got to the place where I'd do most anything to save Shiloh."
Other possible themes include: love, kindness, and family.
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 Shiloh. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Shiloh 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 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 Shiloh and support it with evidence from the text.
Example Themes from Shiloh
Honesty
When Judd questions Marty about the dog, he stutters and states hesitantly, “Haven’t seen any dog of any kind in our yard all day.”
David asks to come over to Marty’s house but Marty lies saying, “Ma’s had this sort of headache lately, and she can’t take any noise at all.”
“I never kept a secret from your dad in the fourteen years we’ve been married.”
Determination
“I’d made a promise to Judd Travers I wasn’t going to keep, Jesus help me. But I’m making one to Shiloh that I will, God strike me dead.”
“But the more I sit there petting his head, feeling his happiness, the more I know I can’t give him up. I won’t.”
Marty realizes that he is blackmailing Judd, but thinks, "I'd got to the place where I'd do most anything to save Shiloh."
Other possible themes include: love, kindness, and family.
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 Shiloh. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Shiloh 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 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 Depict Themes in Shiloh
Organize a classroom discussion on Shiloh’s themes
Encourage students to share their thoughts by creating a safe, open environment where every opinion is valued. Use open-ended questions like, “Why do you think honesty is important to Marty?” to spark conversation and help students make personal connections to the text.
Assign theme journaling for deeper reflection
Ask students to keep a journal where they write about how the themes in Shiloh relate to their own lives. This allows for personal reflection and helps students internalize the story’s messages.
Facilitate small group theme analysis
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different theme from Shiloh. Let them find examples in the text and present their findings to the class, fostering collaborative learning and deeper understanding.
Incorporate visual aids for theme exploration
Use anchor charts, posters, or digital slides to highlight recurring themes and evidence from the story. Visuals help students retain information and make connections more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions about Depict Themes in Shiloh
What are the main themes in Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor?
Shiloh explores key themes such as honesty, determination, love, kindness, and family. These themes are shown through Marty's choices and his relationship with Shiloh and others.
How can students identify themes in Shiloh using a storyboard?
Students can create a storyboard by selecting a theme, illustrating scenes that show this theme, and writing short descriptions for each example. This helps visualize and explain the theme's role in the story.
What is an example of honesty as a theme in Shiloh?
An example of honesty in Shiloh is when Marty struggles with lying to protect Shiloh, showing the internal conflict and consequences of being dishonest, even for a good reason.
Why is determination important in the story of Shiloh?
Determination is vital in Shiloh because Marty never gives up on protecting Shiloh, even when faced with difficult choices. His persistence highlights the power of standing up for what's right.
What are some easy lesson ideas for teaching themes in Shiloh?
Easy lesson ideas include theme storyboards, group discussions about character actions, and writing short paragraphs connecting events to key themes like honesty or family.
More Storyboard That Activities
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