September 29

We will start our first day of Independent reading. All kids should have a book or magazine to read during class.

We will also discuss how to find the message of a book.

What's the theme?
In other words...What is the author's message?
It is NOT the plot. The plot is what happened in the story. This is different than what the message is.
The author wants to tell you something about your life. That's what all stories have always been. How you should (or possibly shouldn't) live life.

Pick three of the following and tell me both the plot and the theme.

Toy Story
Finding Nemo
Shrek
Forrest Gump
Romeo and Juliet

To Kill a Mockingbird

Now take another look at Smoke Signals and write down what the theme is. This time back up your answer with examples from the movie.