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 Where the Red Fern Grows. 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 Where the Red Fern Grows
Determination
Billy is so determined to buy himself two hunting dogs that he works odd jobs for two years to earn the money.
Loyalty
Billy’s dogs are extremely loyal to him and to each other. One example of this is when Little Ann falls in the ice and Billy and Old Dan don’t give up until they rescue her.
Family
Billy and his family are very close and would do anything for one another. Billy’s relationship with his grandpa is very strong, and Billy learns all about perseverance and hunting from him.
Faith
Billy and his family are extremely religious and spiritual. They often talk to and about God, and Billy thinks about his prayers frequently.
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 Where the Red Fern Grows. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Where the Red Fern Grows 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 Where the Red Fern Grows. 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 Where the Red Fern Grows
Determination
Billy is so determined to buy himself two hunting dogs that he works odd jobs for two years to earn the money.
Loyalty
Billy’s dogs are extremely loyal to him and to each other. One example of this is when Little Ann falls in the ice and Billy and Old Dan don’t give up until they rescue her.
Family
Billy and his family are very close and would do anything for one another. Billy’s relationship with his grandpa is very strong, and Billy learns all about perseverance and hunting from him.
Faith
Billy and his family are extremely religious and spiritual. They often talk to and about God, and Billy thinks about his prayers frequently.
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 Where the Red Fern Grows. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from Where the Red Fern Grows 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 Themes in Where the Red Fern Grows
Enhance theme discussions with meaningful student questions
Invite students to ask and answer questions about the themes in Where the Red Fern Grows to spark deeper thinking and richer classroom conversations. This helps students connect personally with the story and understand its messages more fully.
Model how to create open-ended theme questions
Demonstrate how to turn theme statements into thoughtful questions, such as 'How does Billy show determination in challenging situations?' This encourages critical thinking and lets students explore multiple perspectives.
Encourage small group theme discussions
Organize students into small groups to share and discuss their theme questions. This collaborative approach gives everyone a chance to speak and helps students build on each other's ideas.
Guide students to support answers with text evidence
Remind students to back up their responses with examples from the book, such as quoting dialogue or describing scenes. This practice strengthens reading comprehension and supports clear reasoning.
Facilitate a class debrief to connect theme insights
Bring the class together to share key takeaways from their group discussions. Highlight common themes, unique perspectives, and how the story’s messages relate to real life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in Where the Red Fern Grows
What are the main themes in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Where the Red Fern Grows features several important themes, including determination, loyalty, family, and faith. These central ideas shape the characters’ actions and the overall message of the story.
How can I teach students to identify themes in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Encourage students to look for recurring ideas, character actions, and key events that highlight themes. Ask them to support their choices with examples from the text and create illustrations or short descriptions for each theme they find.
What is an example of loyalty in Where the Red Fern Grows?
An example of loyalty is when Billy’s dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, refuse to leave each other behind, especially shown when they work together to rescue Little Ann from the ice.
Why is determination an important theme in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Determination is important because it shows how Billy works tirelessly for two years to save enough money to buy his hunting dogs, demonstrating perseverance and hard work.
What activities help students explore key themes in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Activities like storyboarding, identifying and illustrating themes, and writing descriptions for each example help students understand and engage with the book’s key messages.
More Storyboard That Activities
Where the Red Fern Grows
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