Exploros | What’s the Story About?

What’s the Story About?

Students identify plot and theme in Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Crow.” Then, they read a Roman myth, “Echo and Narcissus,” and answer questions about its plot and theme. Next, they explain their processes of finding theme in “The Fox and the Crow.” Finally, they choose a story they have read and state its plot and theme.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students identify plot and theme in Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Crow.” Then, they read a Roman myth, “Echo and Narcissus,” and answer questions about its plot and theme. Next, they explain their processes of finding theme in “The Fox and the Crow.” Finally, they choose a story they have read and state its plot and theme.

Objectives

Identify the theme of a story.
Distinguish between theme and plot.

Duration

One class period.

Vocabulary Words Used in “The Fox and the Crow”

dainty: small and delicious
admiringly: in a way that shows you think someone or something is wonderful
suspicion: the feeling that something is wrong or someone has done wrong

Vocabulary Words Used in “Echo and Narcissus”

nymph: in mythology, a woman who inhabits nature like trees, water, and mountains
admirer: a person who has a romantic interest in another
revenge: the act of doing harm to someone in response to an injury or wrong suffered
affections: a tender feeling for someone, fondness

“What’s the story about?” That’s the big question most readers want the answer to before they choose a story. It can be answered in two very different ways:

“What’s the story about?” can mean, “What’s the main action?” For example, “It’s about a girl who becomes a superhero.” That’s an answer about the story’s plot.
“What’s the story about?” can also mean, “What is the author saying in this story?” For example, “It’s about how superpowers aren’t everything.” That’s an answer about the story’s theme.

In this experience, you’ll learn about both meanings.

Objectives

Identify the theme of a story.
Distinguish between theme and plot.
Look at the following illustration from a poem based on Aesop’s fable, “The Fox and the Crow.” You may already know this story.

Illustration for the poem “The Sycophantic Fox and the Gullible Raven”

Make a prediction what you think the story is about.

Post your answer

Students who are not familiar with the story will likely make predictions about the plot. Students who are familiar with the story or with the genre of fables may make predictions about the theme.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.