Theme vs.

Main Idea
Distinguishing Between Terms
Subject: Language Arts
Grade: 9
Daily Lesson: Learning Terms
Total Time of Lesson: 41 minutes
Objective: Students will learn the difference between mood and tone.
Materials Needed:
- Smartboard
- Pencils
- Papers
- Sticky Notes
Question

Evidence in Classroom

Curriculum
Outcomes

GLOs
General Outcome 2
General Outcome 4
SLOs
2.2.1 Experience various texts:
identify and discuss how timeless themes are developed in a variety of oral, print and other
media texts
compare and contrast own life situation with themes of oral, print and other media texts
express the themes of oral, print or other media texts in different forms or genres
2.2.2 Construct meaning from texts
identify and discuss theme and point of view in oral, print and other media texts
relate the themes, emotions and experiences portrayed in oral, print and other media texts to
issues of personal interest or significance
2.2.3 Appreciate the artistry of texts
describe how theme, dominant impression and mood are developed and sustained through
choices in language use and the interrelationship of plot, setting and character
2.3.2 Understand techniques and elements
compare the development of character, plot and theme in two oral, print or other media texts
2.4.1 Generate ideas
generalize from own experience to create oral, print and other media texts on a theme
2.4.2 Elaborate on the expression of ideas
create oral, print and other media texts on common literary themes
4.1.5 Enhance artistry
experiment with the language and components of particular forms to communicate themes or
represent the perspectives of a variety of people or characters

Criteria for
assessment
for
learning/
evaluation

Got it: Students are able to distinguish between theme and main idea and come up with themes
they have found in books or movies.
Somewhat: Students are somewhat able to distinguish between theme and main idea and come up
with themes they have found in books or movies.
Redo Lesson: Students are unable to distinguish between theme and main idea and are unable to
come up with themes they have found in books or movies.

Question

Evidence in Classroom

How will you

share criteria
and build a
shared
understanding
of what success
looks like?

By the end of class, students will understand the difference between theme and main idea. They
will also come up with ideas for themes.

What
instructiona
l strategies
will be
chosen to
elicit
evidence of
learning?
How will
you gather
evidence of
student
learning?

Metacognitive: Direct Instruction (2 min)

Students will take notes while I explain the difference between theme and main idea.
Metacognitive/Formative: Group Discussion (5-10 min)
Students will explain their findings in a group discussion and will answer questions in a group
discussion.
Metacognitive/Formative: Think, Pair, Share (5 min)
Students will come up with themes and books/movies that show that theme in groups/
Formative: Sticky Note (5 mins)
Students will come up with a movie/book that fits that theme and explain why.
Metacognitive: Independent Reading Time
Students will use the remaining class time to read.

Teacher
feedback (I
do):
Students as
resources for
one another
(You do):
The teacher
and the
students
working
together (We
do):
Students as
owners of
their own
learning (You
do on your
own):

Direct Instruction
Think, Pair, Share

Group Discussion

Quick Write
Independent Reading Time

Assessment:
Students will be assessed on their ability to find meaning in the poem and see the effect of the imagery
within the poem. They will also be formally assessed as I circulate on their ability to use this example as a
starting point for their own writing.
Accommodations/Modifications:
If students were not given the answers I expect they will give, I will prompt them further, give them hints,
or provide some ideas to jump their own ideas.
I will also be pairing the lower students with the higher students to help both students. The lower students
will hopefully learn from the higher students and the higher students will exercise their ability to teach
material in their own words to their partners.
Extension/Extra Time Activity:
Students will read independently.