Today we reviewed the guidelines for Thematic Literary Essay, and then students wrote...and wrote...using the same format of the Character Literary Essay. Piece of cake! Because theme is a universal statement the author is sharing through his/her characters, theme can be a confusing skill to tackle. We are beginning with an essay about lessons the character learned, and then, using the essay, students will fine-tune and develop their claim into a theme.
Here is the format we used:
Intro: Story background sentence (title and author)
Claim; _______________learns_________
Paragraph:
Topic sentence
Evidence (quote from story) which supports claim
Explanation
Concluding sentence
I am working with a group of students during lunch who have been absent. If you have been absent and feel a little lost, please bring your lunch and join us!
Confused about theme? Look under links, and watch a cool new video to help you understand.
H/W:
- Open up your composition book to the Thematic Essay you wrote today.
- Get out the document that is titled " Teacher Writing Exemplar - Theme Based Essay
- Find one strategy the author used that you didn't use. Some ideas are : word choice, transitions, background information, examples..
- Set the timer for 10 minutes, and add that strategy to your essay using index cards or writing in a different colored pen. Tape your index card over the part of the essay where you want to add it.
- If you didn't finish your essay, please do that tonight instead of the above instructions.
- Now go help your mom or dad get ready for Thanksgiving!
See you tomorrow!
