Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard! In this activity, students will identify a theme of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and support it with evidence from the text. Students will illustrate their selections.
One theme of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is generosity.
Generosity
- Minli leaves her family to change their fortune.
- Minli sees an old man begging for a peach. She uses the only money she has to buy it for him.
- Da-A-Fu and their family save Dragon and help Minli make it to the Old Man of the Mountain.
Some other themes that are prevalent in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon include fortune or fate, curiosity, and trust.
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 illustrating themes in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify important themes from the novel.
- Describe three examples of the theme.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
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 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and support it with evidence from the text. Students will illustrate their selections.
One theme of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is generosity.
Generosity
- Minli leaves her family to change their fortune.
- Minli sees an old man begging for a peach. She uses the only money she has to buy it for him.
- Da-A-Fu and their family save Dragon and help Minli make it to the Old Man of the Mountain.
Some other themes that are prevalent in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon include fortune or fate, curiosity, and trust.
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 illustrating themes in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify important themes from the novel.
- Describe three examples of the theme.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
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 Theme in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
How to Facilitate a Thematic Class Discussion on Generosity
Invite students to share personal experiences or examples from other stories where generosity made a difference. Encouraging open conversation helps students connect the book’s theme to their own lives and deepens understanding.
Prepare Thought-Provoking Questions About Generosity
Write questions like, “Why do you think Minli chose to help the old man?” or “How did generosity change the characters’ lives?” Open-ended questions prompt students to think critically and support their opinions with evidence from the text.
Encourage Students to Give Real-Life Examples
Ask students to share times when they or someone they know showed generosity. Relating themes to real life makes the lesson more meaningful and memorable.
Use Visual Aids to Highlight Key Moments
Display storyboards, images, or short video clips depicting acts of generosity from the novel. Visuals support diverse learners and help everyone recall significant scenes.
Wrap Up with a Group Reflection
Guide students to summarize what they learned about generosity and how it can be practiced daily. Reflecting as a group builds classroom community and reinforces positive values.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theme in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
What is a main theme in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?
Generosity is a central theme in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. The story shows how acts of kindness, like Minli helping a stranger and others helping her, lead to positive changes and deeper connections.
How can students identify themes in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?
Students can identify themes by looking for repeated ideas or lessons in the story. They should find examples where characters show traits like generosity, trust, or curiosity, and support their choices with evidence from the text.
What are some examples of generosity in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?
Examples of generosity include Minli giving her only coin to an old man, Da-A-Fu’s family helping Dragon and Minli, and characters sharing resources and wisdom with each other throughout the story.
Why is it important to illustrate themes with storyboards in the classroom?
Illustrating themes with storyboards helps students visualize key ideas, strengthens comprehension, and encourages creativity. It also allows them to connect textual evidence with visual representation, making themes easier to understand.
What other themes besides generosity are found in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?
Other important themes include fortune or fate, curiosity, and trust. These themes are shown through Minli’s journey, her questions, and the relationships she builds along the way.
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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
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