Teacher:​ Ms.

Tywana Chambers
Grade:​ Fourth Grade Reading
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Unit: ​Unit 4, Lesson 20

Teaching Point: ​I can determine the theme of a story by drawing on specific details in
the text.
Lesson Task: ​The students will be able to understand that many authors want to share
an important message or lesson about life. This is called the theme. Students will work
throughout the lesson, as they read, listen, discuss and identify details that help to
determine theme throughout the lesson. Students will utilize a theme chart to help
identify a possible theme of their personal Tappan Treasures. By the end of the
lesson, students should walk out with the understanding that many authors write to
share an important message of lesson about life.
Standard: ​R.L.4.2
*Understand that the theme of a story is the larger message or lesson about life.
*Determine the theme of a story by interpreting details from the text.
Rationale for lesson focus: ​Students struggle with understanding that many authors
write stories, because they want to teach readers an important message or lesson
about life.

In order to ensure understanding of theme, I wanted to use the strategy of utilizing a

theme chart, (graphic organizer) so that students may learn how details help to develop
the theme of a story.

Materials: ​pencils, anchor charts, Journey’s Text, classwork notebook, markers, easel
board, Tappan Treasures, book log, book baggie, Teacher model textbook

Assessment: ​Students will be able to complete a theme chart to help determine the
theme of their independent leveled or just-right books. ​(Tappan Treasures)
Students will read and jot down the appropriate details labeled on their theme chart.
Students should be able to determine the theme of their text, based on their
comprehension and text details.
 Instructional Activities (with turn and talks)

Do Now/Hook
(3mins) ​The teacher will have students respond to the following, “Do Now”:

We have previously read the story titled, “Hercules Quest” by Martina Melendez.
Hercules was sent on three very dangerous quests in order to regain his father’s trust
and also to regain his status. This was due to the angry goddess Hera’s naughty tricks.
Hercules was able to overcome the challenges during each quest.​ Turn and talk
(elbow partners) ​to discuss an important message or lesson about life, that you can
learn from the story.

After the discussion, the teacher will call on two students by random to share.

Model/Mini Lesson
(7min) ​The teacher will gather students at the literacy meeting area. The teacher will
introduce the lesson by reading the teaching point out-loud to students. She will read
the anchor charts related to the focus of the lesson. Then she will move forward and
model how to use details from the text, in order to determine the theme. The model will
come from the text titled, “Babushka Baba Yaga” by Patricia Palacco. ​There are
several themes that can arrive from this text. Some examples are
1- It’s important not to judge one another on what you hear or see, rather get to know a
person for their heart.
2-Don’t judge a book by its cover.
3-If your not accepted by the group, because of false beliefs (or false tales), continue to
represent who you really are and be yourself.
4-Instead of believing what others say negatively about someone, get to know that
person for yourself.
The teacher will read a snippet of the text out loud to students and use a theme chart to
jot down details related to a possible theme.

Guided Practice
(7min) ​Students will use open up to the story titled, “Sacagawea” by Lise Erdrich.
The teacher will begin reading pages ​598-599 ​out loud to students. ​(turn and talk)
1- Based on the details about what we have read so far in the story, what do you
think is the theme of the story?
The teacher will call on one or two partners by random to share.
The teacher will read page 600 out-loud to students and bring students back to a turn
and talk. ​(Turn and Talk)
2- How does Sacagawea’s actions in the text help to determine the theme?
( ex. Students may go back into the text and find a specific detailed part of the story
where Sacagawea, perseveres. This would support the theme, “When times get tough
hold on, stay on course, go the distance, stop at nothing, be persistent, be patient etc.)

The teacher will call on one or two students by random to share. Students will proceed
to the independent practice part of the lesson.

Independent Practice
(20 min) ​Students will go back to their seats and take out their tappan treasures, and
begin reading. Students will use the chart to jot down details that will help to determine
the theme of their text.

The teacher will conference with students and check that all students remain on task.
There will exist a mid-point check, where students turn and talk.

(Turn and Talk)

3-Summarize what has happened in your text so far. Convey to your partner, what
may be a possible theme of your text.

Wrap up/Clean Up`

(8min) ​Students will complete their theme chart, and the teacher will call on students
by random to share the theme of their text, based on text details.