Activity Overview
Several themes are present in the book. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme of The Sign Painter is dreams. Allen Say explores the theme of dreams and the idea that dreams come in all shapes and sizes. The characters in the story, the boy and the man in the white suit, are both chasing their dreams.
Dreams
- Example 1
The boy in the story wants to be a painter. He wants to paint more details on the ArrowStar billboards, but the man never lets him, and he doesn't understand why. At the end, the boy chooses not to continue work with the man, and he heads off in search of his dreams.
- Example 2
The man in the white suit had a dream to build ArrowStar. He is in the midst of achieving his dream, and the boy and the man hope he succeeds.
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 Sign Painter. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme from The Sign Painter.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
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 book. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme of The Sign Painter is dreams. Allen Say explores the theme of dreams and the idea that dreams come in all shapes and sizes. The characters in the story, the boy and the man in the white suit, are both chasing their dreams.
Dreams
- Example 1
The boy in the story wants to be a painter. He wants to paint more details on the ArrowStar billboards, but the man never lets him, and he doesn't understand why. At the end, the boy chooses not to continue work with the man, and he heads off in search of his dreams.
- Example 2
The man in the white suit had a dream to build ArrowStar. He is in the midst of achieving his dream, and the boy and the man hope he succeeds.
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 Sign Painter. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify a theme from The Sign Painter.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
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 Identify Theme in The Sign Painter
Guide students to connect The Sign Painter’s themes to their own dreams
Encourage students to think about their own dreams and goals, just like the characters in the book. This step helps students make personal connections, deepening comprehension and engagement.
Facilitate a class discussion about different types of dreams
Ask students to share examples of dreams—big or small—from their own lives or people they know. Highlight that dreams can look different for everyone, fostering empathy and open-mindedness.
Instruct students to write a short paragraph about their dream
Have students write a few sentences describing a dream they have and why it’s important to them. This builds writing skills while reinforcing the lesson’s theme.
Organize a peer-sharing session
Pair students or form small groups for sharing their paragraphs. Support active listening by encouraging students to ask questions or offer positive feedback.
Create a classroom ‘Dreams Board’
Display students’ dream paragraphs on a bulletin board or wall. This visual showcase celebrates individuality and reminds students that everyone has unique goals worth pursuing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identify Theme in The Sign Painter
What is the main theme of The Sign Painter?
The main theme of The Sign Painter is dreams. The story explores how both the boy and the man in the white suit are chasing their dreams, highlighting that dreams can be different for everyone and can shape our choices.
How can students identify a theme in The Sign Painter?
Students can identify a theme in The Sign Painter by looking for recurring ideas or messages, such as dreams and perseverance. They should support their choice with specific events or details from the book, like the boy’s decision to follow his own dream.
What are some examples of dreams as a theme in The Sign Painter?
Examples include the boy’s dream of becoming a painter and the man in the white suit’s dream of building ArrowStar. Both characters are pursuing their ambitions, showing different ways dreams influence their actions.
Why is it important for students to support their theme choice with details from the text?
It is important for students to use text evidence because it helps demonstrate their understanding and backs up their interpretation. Providing examples from the story makes their analysis stronger and more convincing.
What is a simple activity for teaching theme in The Sign Painter to grade 2-3 students?
A simple activity is to have students create a storyboard that shows examples of a theme from the book. They can draw pictures for key scenes and write short descriptions explaining how each scene relates to the theme.
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