Teaching theme is one of those reading skills that can feel a little tricky for students. Honestly, it can feel tricky for us teachers, too! After many years of trial and error, I finally began feeling confident that I had the right method and resources. Teaching theme is such an important skill, especially because theme shows up in every genre. From fiction to poetry and fables, you can bet an identifiable theme exists. The cool thing is, once students understand how to find the theme, it helps them become stronger readers no matter what they’re reading. Luckily, I’m sharing 5 ways to teach theme across different genres, along with a few tips and tricks to make it easier for your students (and you!).

Why are Teaching Themes in Literature Important?

By upper elementary, students are moving beyond just retelling stories. They are learning to think deeper about what the author wants them to understand. Themes in literature help students connect the story to big life lessons. For example, many themes in upper elementary include friendship, honesty, perseverance, or kindness. 

With these ways to teach theme, students will build critical thinking skills by examining the events, characters, and problems in a story and figuring out what they all mean together. 

Tips for Teaching Theme

When it comes to finding ways to teach theme, having a clear process makes a big difference. Here’s how I like to break it down so students feel confident every step of the way:

• First, explain that the theme is “the message” or the big idea the author wants readers to learn. Discuss how it’s more than just what happens—it’s the deeper meaning.
• Next, sort through what theme is and what theme is not (this part is huge for clearing up confusion).
• Teach the difference between theme and topic— practice this a lot until students really get it.
• Provide lots of support, like a list of common theme statements or one-word topics so they have examples to lean on.
• Start digging into actual texts, focusing on big events and important character choices, because these are the biggest clues about theme.
• To build confidence, start with shorter texts—fables and folktales are perfect for this since their themes are usually clear and easy to find.
• Finally, practice finding themes across genres, so students see how theme shows up everywhere, from poetry and fiction to nonfiction articles.

By following these steps, students start to realize that theme isn’t as scary as it seems. Plus, they become much better at spotting it no matter what they’re reading. If you’re looking for ways to teach theme that actually work, these strategies are a great place to start!

#1 Finding Theme with Aesop’s Fables 

One of my favorite ways to teach theme is by using fables! Fables are short, simple stories that almost always have a clear moral or lesson. This makes them perfect for introducing themes to students. Plus, since they’re quick reads, students can focus more on figuring out the theme instead of getting bogged down with a long text.

Thankfully, using Finding Theme with Aesop’s Fables is a fantastic way to help your students master theme. This resource starts by walking students through identifying the difference between theme and topic with ready-to-use printables. Then, students will practice spotting the theme by looking at key details in each fable.

Honestly, built-in story maps, comprehension questions, and theme-finding guides take the guesswork out of teaching theme. You’ll love how confident your students become in finding the theme. The best part is that students will enjoy reading the classic fables like The Tortoise and the Hare or The Lion and the Mouse. 

#2 Teaching Theme with Short Stories

Teachers know that fiction stories are not one size fits all. Students need to be exposed to different characters, settings, and plots. Luckily, an easy, low-prep resource to reinforce this skill is Teaching Theme with Short Stories pack. 

This theme resource has three engaging short stories, comprehension questions, theme guides, and summarizing activities. It pushes students to think deeply about the events in a story and make connections to the overall theme. 

I also love using this resource in many ways. For example, you may choose to start with small groups or literacy centers and then move to individual work. Students will gain so much theme practice it will start to feel easy for them!

#3 Finding Theme in Poetry

Another powerful way to teach theme is through poetry. Poetry has a unique way of expressing big ideas and emotions in just a few lines, making it perfect for helping students practice identifying themes. However, finding the theme in a poem can sometimes feel tricky for students because the message isn’t always directly stated. That’s why I love using this Finding Theme in Poetry resource! 

This resource includes three engaging poems along with guided questions that help students focus on the poem’s theme, topic, setting, and the speaker’s perspective. What’s great about using poetry to teach theme is that it encourages students to think deeply about the meaning behind the words. They’ll also learn how a speaker’s reflections can reveal the overall theme of a poem. 

This resource makes it easy for students to sharpen their theme-identifying skills. Plus, with answer keys included, you’ll have everything you need for whole group lessons, small groups, centers, or even sub plans!

#4 Teaching Theme Using Quotes

Remember that using different genres is a great method of teaching theme. However, teaching themes in literature must cover more than just “genres.” A fun and creative way to teach theme is by using motivational quotes! 

Quotes are short, powerful statements that often convey a strong message or lesson. The best part? Using quotes allows students to focus on the message without getting lost in a long story. This is especially helpful for students who may struggle to find the theme in traditional texts.

This Teaching Theme with Quotes resource is a quick and engaging activity that boosts students’ critical thinking skills. It includes 28 quote cards, student response sheets, and reference cards with common topics to help guide students’ thinking. Students will read a quote, determine the topic, and then write a theme statement based on the quote’s message. It’s such a creative way to introduce theme or offer a fresh approach to theme practice! 

#5 Themes in Literature Posters

One of the most effective ways to teach theme is by helping students understand the difference between theme and topic. Many students get confused between the two. Students often think that the topic of a story is the same as its theme. However, once students learn that the topic is a one-word concept (like friendship or courage) and the theme is the deeper message or lesson, they start to grasp the skill much faster.

To make this concept crystal clear, I love using my Theme and Topic Posters in the classroom! This resource includes 30 posters that cover common themes and topics in literature. Each poster has a clear, student-friendly explanation and a mini reference card that you can place on a key ring for students to use during reading time. These posters can be hung around the room as an easy visual reference for students as they read and discuss themes.

If you’re looking for ways to teach themes found in literature that give students clear guidance and visual support, this Theme and Topic Poster Set is a must-have! 

Wrapping Up Your Theme Unit

Teaching theme doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right resources to support your lessons. Whether you’re starting with fables, diving into short stories, analyzing poetry, or even using motivational quotes, the key is giving students plenty of opportunities to practice. The more they engage with different genres and texts, the easier it will become for them to spot themes and connect them to real-world lessons.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your theme lessons organized and engaging all year long, the Teaching Theme Bundle has everything you need! With resources for fables, short stories, poetry, task cards, and theme posters, you’ll have a variety of ways to teach theme across multiple genres. Best of all, these activities are perfect for whole group lessons, small groups, literacy centers, or even sub plans. Perfect for making them super flexible for your classroom.

The Teaching Theme Bundle is packed with everything you need to help your students feel confident identifying themes in literature all year long!

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Save these Theme Activities!

Make sure to save these 5 ways to teach theme to your favorite reading Pinterest board. You will be able to come back when you are ready for some easy-to-use and teacher-friendly theme activities, as well as tips for teaching theme!