Activity Overview
In this activity, students will select a theme and support the theme with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is clearly depicted in Stuart Little is acceptance. Stuart is born a mouse into a human family; his family not only accepts him, but embraces him and treats him as one of their own. Students can use a grid format to depict the text evidence that supports a theme of their choice.
Possible themes for Stuart Little:
- Acceptance
- Friendship
- Adventure
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 Stuart Little. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Stuart Little you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents 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
In this activity, students will select a theme and support the theme with evidence from the text. One of the themes that is clearly depicted in Stuart Little is acceptance. Stuart is born a mouse into a human family; his family not only accepts him, but embraces him and treats him as one of their own. Students can use a grid format to depict the text evidence that supports a theme of their choice.
Possible themes for Stuart Little:
- Acceptance
- Friendship
- Adventure
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 Stuart Little. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Stuart Little you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents 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 Key Themes in Stuart Little
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Theme Evidence
Engage students in a group conversation by inviting them to share examples of themes they found in Stuart Little. Encourage respectful listening and prompt students to explain why their evidence supports their chosen theme. This promotes critical thinking and helps students learn from one another’s perspectives.
Guide students to select a theme collaboratively
Have students brainstorm possible themes as a class, then vote or discuss until the group agrees on one or two strong options. This builds consensus and encourages participation from all students.
Model how to find text evidence
Read a short passage aloud and demonstrate how to highlight or note parts that support a specific theme. Explain your thinking aloud so students can see the process in action.
Encourage students to justify their choices
Prompt students to explain why they believe their chosen text evidence supports the theme. This deepens understanding and helps students make connections between the story and the theme.
Wrap up by reflecting on the discussion
Invite students to share something new they learned or how their view of the theme changed after hearing classmates’ ideas. Reflection reinforces learning and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Themes in Stuart Little
What are the main themes in Stuart Little?
Stuart Little explores key themes such as acceptance, friendship, and adventure. These themes are shown through Stuart’s experiences as a mouse born into a human family, his close relationships, and his exciting journeys.
How can students identify themes in Stuart Little?
Students can identify themes in Stuart Little by looking for repeated ideas or messages in the story. Using a grid or storyboard, they can match text evidence to each theme and write short descriptions to support their choices.
What is an example of acceptance in Stuart Little?
An example of acceptance in Stuart Little is how Stuart’s human family loves and treats him as one of their own, despite his being a mouse. This acceptance is a central message in the book.
What is a quick classroom activity for teaching themes in Stuart Little?
A quick classroom activity is to have students create a storyboard. They choose a theme, illustrate examples from the book, and write short descriptions explaining how each scene supports the chosen theme.
Why is teaching themes important in elementary reading lessons?
Teaching themes helps students develop reading comprehension by encouraging them to find deeper meanings in stories. It also promotes critical thinking and helps students connect stories to real-life situations.
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