Activity Overview
Several themes are present in the novel. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme is friendship. Chester, Tucker Mouse, and Harry Cat surprisingly become friends, as well as Chester and Mario.
An example is:
- Even though he was reluctant to do it, Tucker used most of his savings to help Chester when Chester accidentally ate the Bellini's $2 bill.
Other themes that can be explored are: loyalty, honesty, family, respect for elders, freedom, and home.
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 a theme in The Cricket in Times Square.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the theme in the title heading.
- Create an image for three examples that represent this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
- Save and Exit
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
Several themes are present in the novel. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme is friendship. Chester, Tucker Mouse, and Harry Cat surprisingly become friends, as well as Chester and Mario.
An example is:
- Even though he was reluctant to do it, Tucker used most of his savings to help Chester when Chester accidentally ate the Bellini's $2 bill.
Other themes that can be explored are: loyalty, honesty, family, respect for elders, freedom, and home.
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 a theme in The Cricket in Times Square.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the theme in the title heading.
- Create an image for three examples that represent this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
- Save and Exit
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 Identifying Themes in The Cricket in Times Square
Engage students in discovering theme through collaborative discussion circles
Organize students into small, diverse groups for theme discussion circles. This gives every student a chance to share their ideas and listen to others, deepening their understanding of the novel’s themes.
Guide students to select a theme together
Ask each group to agree on one theme they found most important in The Cricket in Times Square. Encourage respectful debate and justification. This builds consensus skills and critical thinking.
Facilitate a group brainstorm of supporting examples
Invite students to list specific story events or character actions that support their chosen theme. Record all ideas, even if some seem less obvious. This helps students connect details to bigger ideas.
Prompt students to share findings with the class
Have each group present their theme and examples. Encourage classmates to ask questions or add examples. This promotes active listening and broadens everyone’s perspective.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Assign a short reflection where each student writes how the chosen theme relates to their own life or the world today. This makes the lesson meaningful and personal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Themes in The Cricket in Times Square
What are the main themes in The Cricket in Times Square?
The Cricket in Times Square features several themes, including friendship, loyalty, honesty, family, respect for elders, freedom, and home. Each theme is supported by events and character interactions throughout the novel.
How can students identify a theme in The Cricket in Times Square?
Students can identify a theme by choosing a recurring idea in the story and supporting it with specific examples or events from the text, such as acts of friendship or demonstrations of loyalty between characters.
What is an example of friendship in The Cricket in Times Square?
A key example of friendship is when Tucker Mouse uses most of his savings to help Chester after Chester accidentally eats the Bellini's $2 bill, showing care and support among friends.
What is a simple classroom activity to teach themes from The Cricket in Times Square?
Teachers can ask students to create a storyboard. Students pick a theme, write it as the title, find three examples from the book, illustrate them, and write a brief description for each example.
Why is exploring themes important when reading The Cricket in Times Square?
Exploring themes helps students deepen their understanding of the story, connect with characters, and recognize life lessons, making their reading more meaningful and engaging.
More Storyboard That Activities
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