Theme means the deeper meaning of a text.  A theme is the big idea, the statement about life.  It's what the writer wants the reader to understand by the time they finish reading the text.  It's the lesson the writer wants to teach the world through the text.  Some people say a theme should be only a few words like "Suffering" or "Overcoming Hardships" or "Love Is Rare" while others think a theme statement can be very complex: "The theme is that when we are younger we don't appreciate the world around us until it is taken from us."  For more on theme, study this Gooru collection.

What do you already know?

Before your teacher jumps into teaching, it's a good idea to find out what you have already mastered, what you are still improving in, and what is totally new.  These assessments will help determine what we'll be spending our time on in class and at home. 

Understanding Texts: GASSTOP

Have you ever had a conversation with somebody, then, in the middle, realized they don't really know what they are talking about?  In order to make sure we actually understand the texts we will be working with, we'll be applying a strategy Mr. Charles developed for approaching texts: GASSTOP

Tell us about it: Chunk Paragraphs

After you encounter a text you'll be discussing them in groups and in writing. To ensure that you effectively communicate, be sure to use chunk paragraphs. 

3 Little Pigs Video

Thesis: Non-Fiction Theme

Works of fiction like poems, stories, and novels tell us something about life.  That's the theme.  But when we read a newspaper, blog, or essay, the main point is called the thesis.  Either way, through theme or thesis, writers have a purpose.  

In this lesson, read a few articles, analyze the theses (plural for thesis), and practice drafting your own thesis.