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 two of the themes in The Night Diary. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in The Night Diary
Survival
There are many examples of survival throughout the story. One example is when the family went several days walking with very little or no water. Papa was determined to keep his family alive, and they all took care of each other when someone was sick or weak.
Family
Nisha has never met her mother, but she and her family are very close. She and her twin brother, Amil, share an unbreakable bond that only twins can have. Kazi, a close friend and the family’s cook for years, is like family to them, and they are all respectful and loving towards their grandmother, Dadi.
Religious Beliefs
When India was freed from British rule, the religion that one believed in became their identity. The story revolves around the separation of the Hindus, the Muslims, and the Sikhs, and the fact that Nisha’s father is Hindu and her mother was Muslim.
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 Night Diary. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Night Diary 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 two of the themes in The Night Diary. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in The Night Diary
Survival
There are many examples of survival throughout the story. One example is when the family went several days walking with very little or no water. Papa was determined to keep his family alive, and they all took care of each other when someone was sick or weak.
Family
Nisha has never met her mother, but she and her family are very close. She and her twin brother, Amil, share an unbreakable bond that only twins can have. Kazi, a close friend and the family’s cook for years, is like family to them, and they are all respectful and loving towards their grandmother, Dadi.
Religious Beliefs
When India was freed from British rule, the religion that one believed in became their identity. The story revolves around the separation of the Hindus, the Muslims, and the Sikhs, and the fact that Nisha’s father is Hindu and her mother was Muslim.
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 Night Diary. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from The Night Diary 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 Night Diary
Introduce theme analysis with a class discussion
Start your lesson by asking students what a theme is and why it matters in stories. Use examples from familiar books to help them connect the concept to their own experiences.
Model identifying a theme using a short excerpt
Read a brief passage from The Night Diary aloud. Together, think aloud to pinpoint the central idea or message, showing students how to find evidence that supports a theme.
Guide students to brainstorm possible themes in groups
Have students work in small groups to list recurring ideas they notice in the story. Encourage them to use sticky notes or chart paper to make their thinking visible and collaborative.
Support students in selecting evidence for their chosen theme
Prompt students to go back into the text and highlight or jot down specific examples that illustrate their theme. Remind them to choose scenes, dialogue, or actions that clearly show the theme in action.
Facilitate sharing and class reflection on different themes
Invite groups to present their themes and evidence to the class. Lead a discussion about how different interpretations of the same story can reveal multiple important themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in The Night Diary
What are the main themes in The Night Diary?
The Night Diary explores several central themes, including survival during difficult times, the importance of family bonds, and the impact of religious identity during the Partition of India. These themes help readers understand the characters' struggles and growth.
How can students identify themes in The Night Diary?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas, challenges, or messages throughout the story, such as moments of perseverance, family support, or discussions of religion. Noting how characters respond to events can reveal deeper themes.
What is an example of the theme of survival in The Night Diary?
An example of the survival theme is when Nisha's family journeys for days with little or no water, helping each other through sickness and exhaustion. Their determination to stay alive highlights the challenges faced during Partition.
Why is family an important theme in The Night Diary?
Family is crucial in The Night Diary because the characters rely on one another for emotional support and survival. Nisha's bond with her twin and their connection to extended family members show how love and unity help them endure hardships.
How can teachers use storyboard activities to teach themes in The Night Diary?
Teachers can assign students to create storyboards that illustrate key themes from the book. Students select a theme, depict an example from the story in each cell, and write short descriptions, helping them visualize and explain the story's messages.
More Storyboard That Activities
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