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 the themes in Sounder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate twp themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Sounder
Identity
The dog’s name, Sounder, is the only name in the whole book. The family is identified as poor, but that is their only identity. To the family, Sounder is important, but to the world, the family is unimportant and has no identity.
Loyalty
Sounder is a fearless and loyal dog. One example of this is when he chases the wagon as his master is being taken away to jail.
Growing Up
The boy is forced to grow up fast when his father is taken away. He must help raise his younger siblings and take care of his family.
Courage
The boy is very courageous. He goes out to look for his father, and is even injured because of it. He also never gives up his dream of learning to read and write.
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 2 recurring themes in Sounder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Sounder 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 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. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate the themes in Sounder. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate twp themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in Sounder
Identity
The dog’s name, Sounder, is the only name in the whole book. The family is identified as poor, but that is their only identity. To the family, Sounder is important, but to the world, the family is unimportant and has no identity.
Loyalty
Sounder is a fearless and loyal dog. One example of this is when he chases the wagon as his master is being taken away to jail.
Growing Up
The boy is forced to grow up fast when his father is taken away. He must help raise his younger siblings and take care of his family.
Courage
The boy is very courageous. He goes out to look for his father, and is even injured because of it. He also never gives up his dream of learning to read and write.
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 2 recurring themes in Sounder. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Sounder 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 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 Theme Analysis for Sounder
Engage students in a class discussion about themes before starting the storyboard
Encourage students to brainstorm and share ideas about recurring themes in Sounder as a group. This builds background knowledge and helps all learners feel included.
Model identifying a theme and example using a think-aloud
Demonstrate how to spot a theme and connect it to a scene or character from the book. Use a short passage to show your thought process out loud, so students can follow your reasoning step by step.
Guide students in creating a storyboard template before they illustrate
Help students organize their ideas by setting up a simple storyboard template together. This gives them a clear structure for identifying themes and matching examples before moving on to drawing or digital work.
Provide sentence starters for theme descriptions
Support students' writing by offering sentence starters such as, "One theme in Sounder is..." or "This scene shows the theme of..." This scaffolding makes it easier for all students to write strong, clear explanations.
Share and celebrate different storyboard examples as a class
Create a positive classroom environment by inviting students to present their storyboards. Highlight a variety of themes and creative approaches to show that there are many ways to engage with literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theme Analysis for Sounder
What are the main themes in Sounder?
Sounder explores key themes such as identity, loyalty, growing up, and courage. These themes highlight the family's struggles, the boy's development, and the dog's importance within the story.
How can I teach theme analysis for Sounder in a 4th-6th grade classroom?
To teach theme analysis for Sounder, have students identify two recurring themes, illustrate examples from the story, and write short descriptions explaining their choices. Using a storyboard format helps visualize and reinforce theme understanding.
What is an example of loyalty in Sounder?
An example of loyalty in Sounder is when the dog bravely chases the wagon as his master is taken to jail, showing his unwavering devotion to the family.
Why is identity an important theme in Sounder?
Identity is important in Sounder because the family and the dog struggle to be recognized and valued by the world. The dog's name, Sounder, stands out as the only name used, emphasizing their search for a sense of self.
What activities help students understand themes in literature like Sounder?
Effective activities include creating storyboards, identifying and illustrating themes with examples from the text, and discussing how events and characters demonstrate key ideas such as courage or growing up.
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