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 Welcome to Nowhere. Teachers may ask students to identify and illustrate two themes, or identify one theme and illustrate two examples of it.
Examples of Themes in Welcome to Nowhere
Family
One of the main themes of the book is family. The circumstances around Omar’s family are dire, but they stay with each other, stick up for each other, and protect each other when in danger.
War
This historical fiction novel depicts the reality of life conditions during war. Civilians are affected by all aspects of war, and many are forced to flee in order to save their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.
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 Welcome to Nowhere. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Welcome to Nowhere 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.
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 Welcome to Nowhere. Teachers may ask students to identify and illustrate two themes, or identify one theme and illustrate two examples of it.
Examples of Themes in Welcome to Nowhere
Family
One of the main themes of the book is family. The circumstances around Omar’s family are dire, but they stay with each other, stick up for each other, and protect each other when in danger.
War
This historical fiction novel depicts the reality of life conditions during war. Civilians are affected by all aspects of war, and many are forced to flee in order to save their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.
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 Welcome to Nowhere. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Welcome to Nowhere 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.
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 Welcome to Nowhere Themes
Engage students in meaningful theme discussions using literature circles
Organize students into small, diverse groups to form literature circles. This creates a supportive space for students to share ideas and perspectives.
Assign each student a role that focuses on themes
Distribute specific roles—such as Theme Tracker, Connector, or Illustrator—to each group member. These roles help students focus on different ways themes appear in the story.
Guide groups to find theme evidence in the text
Prompt students to look for quotations, events, or character actions that reveal the story’s themes. Encouraging evidence gathering builds analytical skills.
Facilitate sharing of theme findings with the class
Invite each group to present their theme discoveries and illustrations to the class. This practice promotes confidence and deeper understanding as students learn from peers.
Reflect on how different perspectives shape theme interpretation
Encourage students to discuss how their own backgrounds or experiences influence the way they understand the book’s themes. This reflection fosters empathy and critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Welcome to Nowhere Themes
What are the main themes in Welcome to Nowhere?
Welcome to Nowhere explores central themes such as family—showing how members support and protect each other—and war, highlighting its impact on civilians and their need to flee for safety.
How can students identify themes in Welcome to Nowhere?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas, messages, or struggles in the story, such as family unity or the effects of war, and finding supporting events or character actions that reflect those themes.
What is an example of the family theme in Welcome to Nowhere?
An example is how Omar’s family sticks together during dangerous times, supporting and protecting each other even when facing hardship due to war.
How do I create a storyboard for themes in Welcome to Nowhere?
To create a storyboard, choose key themes, illustrate scenes from the book that represent each theme, and write a brief description for every illustrated example below each cell.
Why is understanding themes important when teaching Welcome to Nowhere?
Understanding themes helps students connect with the story’s deeper messages and develop critical thinking by analyzing how characters’ experiences relate to universal ideas like family and survival during conflict.
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