Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a Storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a theme of The Little Prince and support it with evidence from the text.
Example Themes of The Little Prince
Grown-ups vs. Children
- Grown ups do not understand the beauty in a drawing of a boa constrictor eating an elephant.
- Grown ups judge the Turkish astronomer based on how he is dressed.
- Grown-ups measure the beauty of a house by its price and think they know a young friend by how much money his father earns.
Friendship
- The fox teaches a lesson: "if you want a friend, tame me!”
- The little prince finally begins to understand what he feels for his rose.
- The aviator has been tamed by the prince; he is upset to see him leave Earth.
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 Little Prince. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme in the story and write it on the row.
- Find three examples of the theme in the text and describe one in each cell.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when 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 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 The Little Prince and support it with evidence from the text.
Example Themes of The Little Prince
Grown-ups vs. Children
- Grown ups do not understand the beauty in a drawing of a boa constrictor eating an elephant.
- Grown ups judge the Turkish astronomer based on how he is dressed.
- Grown-ups measure the beauty of a house by its price and think they know a young friend by how much money his father earns.
Friendship
- The fox teaches a lesson: "if you want a friend, tame me!”
- The little prince finally begins to understand what he feels for his rose.
- The aviator has been tamed by the prince; he is upset to see him leave Earth.
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 Little Prince. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme in the story and write it on the row.
- Find three examples of the theme in the text and describe one in each cell.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when 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 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 Little Prince
Engage students with a theme-based class discussion
Encourage students to think critically about The Little Prince by starting a class discussion focused on central themes. Active participation helps students connect the story to their own experiences and deepens understanding.
List key themes on the board
Write the main themes (such as friendship, childhood, and grown-ups vs. children) on the board. Visual reference helps students stay focused and sparks ideas for their own observations.
Invite students to share examples from the book
Ask students to give examples from The Little Prince that illustrate each theme. Peer sharing builds confidence and enhances classroom collaboration.
Connect themes to students’ real lives
Prompt students to relate the themes to experiences in their own lives. Real-life connections make the story more meaningful and memorable.
Summarize discussion insights as a class
Review the main points students shared and highlight key takeaways. Class summaries reinforce learning and ensure everyone understands the themes discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Themes in The Little Prince
What are the main themes in The Little Prince?
The main themes in The Little Prince include the contrast between grown-ups and children, the value of friendship, and seeing with the heart rather than the eyes. These themes are illustrated through characters' actions and relationships throughout the story.
How can I teach themes from The Little Prince to 4th or 5th graders?
To teach themes from The Little Prince to 4th or 5th graders, use a storyboard activity where students identify a theme, find three supporting examples from the text, and illustrate each one. This hands-on approach helps students connect ideas visually and textually.
What is a simple lesson plan for exploring themes in The Little Prince?
A simple lesson plan involves students reading parts of the book, picking a central theme (like friendship), and using a storyboard to show three examples with short descriptions and illustrations. This encourages comprehension and creative thinking.
Why is the difference between grown-ups and children important in The Little Prince?
The difference between grown-ups and children highlights how adults often miss the true meaning and beauty in life, focusing on appearances or facts, while children see with imagination and heart. This theme is central to the book's message.
What evidence from The Little Prince supports the theme of friendship?
Evidence supporting the theme of friendship includes the fox asking to be tamed, the little prince understanding his feelings for his rose, and the aviator feeling sadness when the prince leaves. These moments show how relationships shape the characters.
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