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 Miracle Worker.
Examples of Themes in The Miracle Worker
Perseverance
Annie Sullivan a perfect example of someone who refuses to give up. Even when she is hit, spit at, kicked, and told that Helen was unteachable, she did not give up on Helen.
Transformation
Helen Keller’s family desperately wants to transform their way of life with Helen, but they don’t know how. Annie wants to transform the family’s perception of Helen, as well teach her how to communicate and behave.
Perception and Judgement
The Kellers judge Annie when she first arrives, based on her age and where she is from. They also perceive Helen to be unteachable and because of her disabilities, do not treat her like a “normal” child.
Communication
The entire play revolves around the family’s inability to communicate with Helen. There is frustration, anger, and sadness. Annie’s goal is to teach Helen to communicate, and to teach the family to understand Helen.
Love
It is clear that the family loves each other deeply. Through all of the anger and challenges, they know that they must move on from what they know to be true and forge new relationships with one another. It is also clear that Annie loves Helen and her family.
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 Miracle Worker. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Miracle Worker 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 Miracle Worker.
Examples of Themes in The Miracle Worker
Perseverance
Annie Sullivan a perfect example of someone who refuses to give up. Even when she is hit, spit at, kicked, and told that Helen was unteachable, she did not give up on Helen.
Transformation
Helen Keller’s family desperately wants to transform their way of life with Helen, but they don’t know how. Annie wants to transform the family’s perception of Helen, as well teach her how to communicate and behave.
Perception and Judgement
The Kellers judge Annie when she first arrives, based on her age and where she is from. They also perceive Helen to be unteachable and because of her disabilities, do not treat her like a “normal” child.
Communication
The entire play revolves around the family’s inability to communicate with Helen. There is frustration, anger, and sadness. Annie’s goal is to teach Helen to communicate, and to teach the family to understand Helen.
Love
It is clear that the family loves each other deeply. Through all of the anger and challenges, they know that they must move on from what they know to be true and forge new relationships with one another. It is also clear that Annie loves Helen and her family.
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 Miracle Worker. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Miracle Worker 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 Themes in The Miracle Worker
Organize a theme discussion circle for deeper understanding
Facilitate a theme discussion circle where students share personal connections to each theme. This encourages participation and helps students relate the play’s messages to their own lives.
Assign theme roles to students during reading
Give each student a theme role (like Perseverance or Communication) to track while reading. This keeps students engaged and helps them gather specific examples for later activities.
Use anchor charts to visualize recurring themes
Create large anchor charts for each theme and add student observations as you read. This builds a visual reference and supports students as they develop their storyboard projects.
Connect themes to students’ real-life challenges
Invite students to reflect on a time they showed perseverance or overcame misunderstanding, then discuss how these experiences relate to The Miracle Worker’s themes. This fosters empathy and personal insight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in The Miracle Worker
What are the main themes in The Miracle Worker?
The Miracle Worker explores key themes such as perseverance, transformation, perception and judgement, communication, and love. These ideas drive the story and character growth.
How can students identify themes in The Miracle Worker?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas or messages in the story, analyzing character actions, and discussing how conflicts are resolved. Creating a storyboard or listing examples from specific scenes can help.
Why is perseverance an important theme in The Miracle Worker?
Perseverance is central because Annie Sullivan refuses to give up on Helen, even when faced with intense challenges. Her determination helps Helen overcome obstacles and learn to communicate.
What examples show transformation in The Miracle Worker?
Transformation is shown when Helen learns to communicate, the family changes how they interact with her, and Annie helps shift their perception, leading to new relationships and understanding.
How does communication affect the characters in The Miracle Worker?
Communication is both a challenge and a solution in the play. The family's struggles with Helen create frustration, but learning to communicate transforms their lives and deepens connections.
More Storyboard That Activities
Miracle Worker, The
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