For example, Leonardo the Terrible Monster has at least two themes. One theme is FRIENDSHIP. Leonardo makes a very big decision. He decides to be a friend to Sam. Leonardo learns that being a friend feels good and is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Another theme in Leonardo is ACCEPTANCE. Leonardo wants to be something he is not: scary. In the end he decides to ACCEPT that fact and love who he is: a cuddly, cute, adorable little guy with a great smile.
Here is another example. A theme in No David! is OBEDIENCE. David is naughty. A lot. In the end, he learns that kids who do not OBEY their parents get in trouble and feel bad about themselves.
Another theme in No David! is UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. David is naughty. But no matter how many times he breaks the rules, his mom still loves him.
Discussion Points:
a. Think about a book you read this year.
b. Identify one theme in that story. Name it. And talk about how you know it is a theme, just like I did for Leonardo the Terrible Monster and No David!
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