Finding the Theme Task Cards with 16 Practice Passages: Reading Fiction 4th 5th

Theme Task Cards: This resource contains 16 finding the theme task cards. Each task card contains a short fiction narrative. After reading each engaging passage, students are tasked with identifying the theme of each narrative. This resource also includes a poster that explains the theme-filled cupcake analogy.

Included are TWO options for student responses:

• Students write a sentence describing the narrative's theme.
• Students complete a multiple-choice worksheet, identifying the correct theme from 4 answer choices.

Many teachers choose to post these task cards around the classroom and have their students move throughout the room to complete each task card. Many also report having students work with a partner to discuss what they think the theme of the story is and then use evidence from the text to argue their point.

Others say that they use these as a whole class formative activity where they place a task card under their doc cam, and then have students write their chosen answer on whiteboards. Both activities provide an engaging alternative to a traditional worksheet activity!

********This resource is available in three formats:

1. Traditional Printables- Print the PDF and distribute paper task cards and recording sheets.
2. Easel Activity- With this digital format, there is one task card per slide. Students can complete this activity on a device. Students read each passage and determine the theme. Then, they type their answer in the text box on each cupcake.
3. Easel Assessment- Students complete this self-grading quiz on a device, as well. After reading each passage, students select the theme from a list of four possible answer choices. With this option, the teacher chooses whether or not his or her students receive immediate feedback.

Here's what other teachers had to say about these theme task cards:

• Christine G. said, "The students were fully engaged in this activity. They discussed each scenario in detail and gave their opinions as to what the theme was in each situation."

• Sandi B. said, "My students really enjoy reading the task cards and determining the theme. I have used this activity several times with various classes as part of my reading skills activity centers. The students love discussing what they think the main idea of the theme is and using evidence from the text to argue their point."

• Brooke S. said, "This resource was fantastic! I love how it offers two options to determine the theme. Teachers can choose the multiple-choice option for students if they struggle with theme or students have to determine and write out the theme on their own. Great resource!"

• Rebecca K. said, "Love the cupcake theme! The passages were engaging. Students really had to think about the possible theme for each passage. It challenged them to think critically."

***If you would like to have a Google Slides and/or Google Forms version of this activity, click on these links to access the digital version or the bundle.

Feel free to check out my other resources for teaching about themes in literature:

Theme Filled Cupcakes Craftivity: including 4 passages!

Theme: Targeted Tri-folds

Identifying Themes: SIX Worksheets

Teaching Theme: An Introduction PowerPoint

Theme Filled Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day

Copyright by Deb Hanson

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