Teaching theme with Finding Nemo

Teaching theme with Finding Nemo

1. THE ME ssage Using Finding Nemo wto learn about theme

2. Theme is the message the author is trying to relate to the reader . What is theme?

3. Part of your job as a reader is to understand what the author is trying to say. Writers seldom come out and tell you “Hey, Reader! THIS is what I want you to GET from my writing.” You as a reader, must make inferences and draw conclusions about what the author is trying to express. The Reader’s Job

4. How do we find the theme? First we must find the TOPIC of the story. What is the BIG IDEA? Love Friendship Good vs evil Trust Perseverance Equality … Next we INFER as to what the author is saying about the topic. This is a complete sentence. True Love concurs all. Friendship requires sacrifice. C rime doesn’t pay. Sometimes we have to let go and trust that it will all work out for the best. With perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome. We all have value regardless of our race, economic status, or ability.

5. What is the Theme of Finding Nemo ? First, we need to identify the BIG IDEA. To do this we need to Sumerize the story. Sombody -wanted-but-so-then. We did that yesterday.

6. Marlin wanted to protect his son, Nemo , but Nemo disobeyed his dad and got caught. So Marlin found a friend and overcame many obstacles to find Nemo . Then Marlin found Nemo and trusted his son. What was the Big IDEA? Love? Friendship? Trust? Perseverance? Independence? All really good ones. Lets go with trust.

7. How is Trust a Big idea in finding nemo ? It is Marlin’s not trusting in his son, that leads to the adventure.

8. How is Trust a Big idea in finding nemo ? Marlin learns to trust others throughout his journey . The moon fish who give directions Crush the turtle who who gives parenting advice The pelican that takes him to the dentist

9. How is Trust a Big idea in finding nemo ? and especially Dory Throughout the movie, Marlin has difficulty trusting the loyal if not forgetful blue fish. It is not until in the mouth of a wale that he finally agrees to take a leap of faith and let go. Marlin demonstrates this new skill when he lets Nemo assist Dory in escaping the fish net.

10. The theme is: Sometimes you have to let go and trust in your friends and family. If the big idea is trust, what is the the me ssage of the movie?

11. Lets try one together . U sing What’s the BIG IDEA, lets find a different THEME for Finding Nemo .

12. Now that you understand theme, Lets find the theme of Raymond’s Run. Hand out a blank What’s the big idea.