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 The Lions of Little Rock. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show three examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in The Lions of Little Rock
Racial Discrimination
The story takes place in the South during the 1950s, a time when Black people were not given the same rights as white people.
Bravery
Many of the characters in the novel exhibit bravery, but Marlee is who the reader sees it in the most. One example of Marlee’s bravery is when she gives the presentation in front of the whole class by herself.
Friendship
Marlee and Liz’s friendship will not be broken up because of their skin color or anything else.
Social Justice
Marlee and her mother join the WEC, which is short for Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools. The reader also learns about other real groups that were around to promote social justice at that time.
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 The Lions of Little Rock. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Lions of Little Rock 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 The Lions of Little Rock. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 3 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme, and show three examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in The Lions of Little Rock
Racial Discrimination
The story takes place in the South during the 1950s, a time when Black people were not given the same rights as white people.
Bravery
Many of the characters in the novel exhibit bravery, but Marlee is who the reader sees it in the most. One example of Marlee’s bravery is when she gives the presentation in front of the whole class by herself.
Friendship
Marlee and Liz’s friendship will not be broken up because of their skin color or anything else.
Social Justice
Marlee and her mother join the WEC, which is short for Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools. The reader also learns about other real groups that were around to promote social justice at that time.
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 The Lions of Little Rock. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Lions of Little Rock 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 Analyzing Themes in The Lions of Little Rock
Plan a Theme Discussion Circle
Gather students in a circle and introduce the main themes of The Lions of Little Rock. Give each student a chance to share which theme stood out to them and why. Encourage respectful listening and make sure everyone participates. This builds classroom community and deepens understanding of the story’s messages.
Assign Roles for Collaborative Theme Exploration
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific theme to explore. Give roles such as note-taker, illustrator, and presenter. Each group identifies examples of their theme, creates a quick sketch or chart, and prepares to share with the class. This fosters teamwork and ensures all voices are heard.
Facilitate Connections to Real-World Issues
Prompt students to connect a theme from the novel to a current event or issue. Allow students to research or discuss ways people today show bravery or promote social justice. Guide them to share findings in a brief class presentation. Making real-world links increases relevance and engagement.
Encourage Reflective Writing on Themes
Ask students to write a short reflection about how one theme relates to their own life. Provide sentence starters such as, “I showed bravery when…” or “A time I stood up for a friend was…” Personal reflections help students internalize the story’s lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing Themes in The Lions of Little Rock
What are the main themes in The Lions of Little Rock?
The Lions of Little Rock explores major themes such as racial discrimination, bravery, friendship, and social justice. These themes help students understand the historical context and character growth in the novel.
How can students identify themes in The Lions of Little Rock?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas, character actions, and conflicts throughout the story. They should note how characters respond to challenges and what messages the author repeats.
What is an example of bravery in The Lions of Little Rock?
An example of bravery is when Marlee gives a presentation alone in front of her class, showing courage despite her fears and the difficult social climate.
Why is friendship important in The Lions of Little Rock?
Friendship is central to the novel because Marlee and Liz’s bond shows that true friendship can overcome racial barriers and adversity, teaching readers about loyalty and understanding.
What classroom activities help students analyze themes in The Lions of Little Rock?
Teachers can have students create storyboards that illustrate each theme, write short descriptions, and use examples from the book. This visual approach helps deepen understanding of the novel’s messages.
More Storyboard That Activities
Lions of Little Rock, The
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