Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme, and this is the case in Once. For this activity, students will identify one theme in the story and illustrate examples from the text. Teachers may choose to assign themes for students to look out for as they read, or have students choose their own after completing the story.
Examples of Themes in Once
Friendship
Felix and Zelda form an unlikely bond. Felix saves her life and they become inseparable. Felix will do anything for Zelda. One example is when he goes out to find medicine for her when she is sick.
Resilience
Perhaps at the beginning, Felix is resilient because he truly doesn’t understand what’s going on. However, as the story unfolds, Felix remains positive and calm. He will do whatever it takes to escape, including jumping off of a train car.
Imagination
Felix’s imagination and stories keep him positive during the very difficult time.
Hope
Even when it becomes clear that his parents have probably been killed, Felix continues to hold out hope that he will find them.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies a recurring theme in Once. Illustrate 3 examples of the theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify one theme from Once you wish to include and write it in the title box.
- Create images for 3 examples that represent this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
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