"They Don't Mean It" By Lensey Namioka Story Discussion

Topic: Theme analysis and discussion

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify the theme of a story and analyze its significance.

Materials:

• A copy of "They Don't Mean It" by Lensey Namioka for each student
• Handouts with theme-related questions and prompts for independent thinking
• Pencils and paper for journaling

Warm-up

• Begin by asking the students to think about the themes they have encountered in stories they have read in the past. Ask them to share a few examples with the class.
• Next, show the students a brief video of two characters from a movie or TV show engaging in a conflict or disagreement. Ask the students to analyze the conflict and consider what the characters might be trying to accomplish or resolve through their actions.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the title and author of the story being studied.
• Ask the students to think about the themes they have already identified and consider how they might be represented in the story they are about to read.
• Provide a brief overview of the plot of the story, highlighting key events and characters.
• Ask the students to open their copies of the story and begin reading.

Guided Practice

• As the students are reading, periodically ask them to stop and discuss what they have just read.
• Ask them to consider how the themes they identified in the story are represented and how the story might be interpreted.
• Allow time for the students to share their thoughts with their peers and the teacher.

Independent Practice

• As the students finish the story, have them complete a graphic organizer to reflect on the themes and messages they have identified in the story.
• Ask them to write a brief summary statement of the main themes and how they are represented in the story.

Closure

• Review the main themes and messages of the story as a class.
• Ask the students to share their summary statements and any further thoughts or insights they have about the story.
• Encourage the students to think about how these themes and messages can be applied to their own lives and the issues they face every day.

Assessment

• Observe the students as they work on their independent project and provide feedback on their understanding of the themes and messages of the story.
• Evaluate the students' participation in the class discussion and the quality of their presentations.
• Notice any improvements in the students' writing skills as they work on their summaries.