Theme Camp - Reading Comprehension - Storybook Inferences and Literary Analysis
What’s the big idea? In this engaging camp, we’ll explore a new storybook each day and uncover its theme—the important message the story gives us! Through discussion, activities, and creative projects, students will build comprehension.
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(45)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Students will be given 1 reading assignment related to identifying theme after each class.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 5
What’s the big idea? In this fun and engaging 4-day camp, we’ll explore a new storybook each day and uncover its theme—the important message or lesson the story teaches us! Through discussion, activities, and creative projects, students will strengthen their reading comprehension skills while diving into exciting books. 📚 What We’ll Do Each Day: ✅ Read a carefully chosen picture book that is rich in meaning and discussion potential. ✅ Identify key details, character actions, and events that reveal the book’s theme. ✅ Discuss different interpretations and how themes connect to real life. ✅ Complete a creative activity (such as drawing, writing, or acting out scenes) to reinforce the day’s theme. 🎭 Why Picture Books? Even older readers can learn a lot from picture books! These beautifully written stories help students practice identifying themes in a short, engaging format before applying the skill to longer texts. 🎯 Skills We’ll Build: Finding and explaining the theme of a story Using evidence from the text to support ideas Making connections between books and real-world lessons Expressing ideas through discussion and creative responses 👩🏫 Who Should Join? This class is perfect for 4th and 5th graders who love stories, enjoy talking about books, and want to sharpen their reading comprehension skills in a fun and interactive way. 🌟 By the end of camp, students will feel more confident in identifying themes in stories and understanding the deeper meanings behind their favorite books!
Learning Goals
Define theme and explain why it is important in storytelling.Identify the theme of a story by analyzing character actions, plot events, and central messages.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Day 1: What is Theme?
Introduction to the concept of theme in literature
Read and discuss a storybook with a clear theme (The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi)
Identify key story elements (characters, events, problem/solution)
Activity: Create a “Theme Detective” chart to collect clues about the theme 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Day 2: Different Stories, Similar Themes
Read a new storybook with a theme similar to Day 1 (Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson)
Compare and contrast how different stories can share the same theme
Discuss how themes can be applied to real-life situations
Activity: Write a short reflection on a personal experience related to the theme 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Day 3: Finding Theme in Unexpected Ways
Read a storybook with a more subtle or layered theme (After the Fall by Dan Santat)
Discuss how themes aren’t always directly stated but can be inferred
Practice supporting ideas with text evidence
Activity: Work in small groups to create a mini-presentation on the book’s theme 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Day 4: Applying Our Theme Skills
Read a final storybook and identify its theme independently (The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch or A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon)
Discuss how different readers may interpret themes in different ways
Activity: Create a "Theme Poster" illustrating the book’s lesson with drawings, quotes, and explanations
Wrap-up discussion: How can we find themes in chapter books and everyday life? 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Ms. Crocker has experience working with a number of learning needs, including ASD, ADHD, and Dyslexia, and is happy to make accommodations and adjustments to meet everyone's needs.
Pre-Requisites
Students should hae the ability to decode with enough fluency to comprehend a text
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2023
4.9
45reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
I am an experienced upper elementary teacher with over a decade of experience supporting students and their needs in the classroom. I currently work as an elementary librarian. I hold an M.A. in International Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and an M.S. in Teaching & Learning from Colorado State. I am certified K-6 Elementary Education and 7-12 Social Studies.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
4-10 learners per class
