Themes Using Fables

Introduction

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Welcome, 5th Graders!

Today, you will be exploring the internet to discover the magic and lessons taught to us by the classic, Aesop Fables. By the end of the lesson, you will understand where these fables came from, what a theme is, and you will have some practice fining themes in various fables. Being able to identify a theme, is an important skill for a 5th grader, because you are constantly faced with situations and viewing things in the media, that shape who you are as a person and they provide you with valuable lessons on how to grow. 

As you continue on this web quest, you will be presented with a FUN adventure, exploring some famous fables. Click on the TASK button to find out what you will be learning!

 

At the end of the webquest, you will be able to say:

I Can... "Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges." (CCSS.5.RL.2)

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Task

Guiding Questions:

The following questions will need to be answered as you explore the web quest. Please record your answers using full sentences on your webquest guide paper.

  1. Who was Aesop?
  2. How can you find a theme or moral in a story?
  3. What is the theme of the fable?

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Tasks:

The following are the various tasks you will complete in this webquest, leading up to final project:

  1. Explore who Aesop was and what he experienced in his life.
  2. Discover what a theme is and how it can be found in a story.
  3. Practice finding the theme from various Aesop fables.
  4. FINAL PRODUCT: Write your own Aesop fable. This must include a theme, or lesson that can be learned.

 

 

You will be using the following web quest guide as you work through the Tasks. Click on the PROCESS page to continue!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QuPV56cGYzWOV5gN2GytKBbRgZnY5KpS/view?usp=sharing 

Process

1. Explore who Aesop was and what he experienced in his life.

Use the website below to learn about Aesop. Answer questions 1-3 on your web quest guide.

https://kids.kiddle.co/Aesop

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2. Discover what a theme is and how it can be found in a story.

Use the video below to discover WHAT a theme is. Answer questions 4-6 on your web quest guide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSPO194N0OU

 

Now, watch this video to discover more about HOW to find a theme and some EXAMPLES of possible themes. Answer questions 7-8 on your web quest guide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8muSkXjPHE

 

3. Practice finding the theme from various Aesop fables.

One great way to practice finding themes is to use the fables written by Aesop. Go to the following website to discover what a fable is and who the characters are in a fable. Answer questions 9-10 on your web quest guide.

http://www.taleswithmorals.com 

 

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Now it is your turn to practice our new skill! Go to the link below, where there are four Aesop fables. Read each one and identify a theme from it. Record your answers on questions 11-14 on your web quest guide.

*HELP: There is an option to listen to the fables. Click on the Play button on the top of the page to have them read to you!

https://www.storynory.com/four-aesop-fables/ 

 

4. FINAL PRODUCT: Write your own Aesop fable. This must include a theme, or lesson that can be learned.

A couple of things for you to keep in mind as you write your fable:

  1. Type your fable in Office 365, opening a new Word document.
  2. Remember, a fable needs characters that are animals, who talk and act like people.
  3. Fables are short stories, but it still needs to have enough details to have a plot that can be followed.
  4. Be sure there is at least one theme, or lesson that can be learned and applied to peoples' lives. Write the possible themes below your story.
  5. Share it with your teacher, when you are complete.
  6. Look on the EVALUATION page to know how your fable will be assessed.

 

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Evaluation

Fable Rubric
  3 pts. (Excellent) 2 pts. (Good) 1 pts. (Approaching)
The fable is written with characters that are animals, who behave and talk like humans.      
The fable is written with a lesson that can be learned, and applied to many situations.      
The fable is written with thoughtful organization and varying sentence fluency.      
The fable is written with correct conventions and free of mistakes in grammar.      

 

 

 

Conclusion

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GREAT JOB exploring fables and the lessons that they can teach us!

You have worked hard to:

  1. Explore who Aesop was.
  2. Discover what a theme is.
  3. Practice finding the themes.
  4. Write your own fable.

I am very proud of each of you! You should feel proud of all that you have accomplished as well!

 

As you continue in 5th grade this year, anytime your read a story, watch a movie/TV show, or hang out with your friends, be thinking about the lessons you can learn and apply to your life. We are constantly learning and growing as people!

Here is one more lesson to leave you with, from the book, WONDER.

"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." 

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