Theme Identification with Fables

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Theme Vocabulary

1. What is a theme?

The main character in a story

The lesson or message of a story

Where the story takes place

What happens in the story

2. Which of these are common themes in fables? (Check all that apply)

Hard work pays off

Be honest

Don't be greedy

The weather is nice

3. A fable is a short story that teaches a ____________.

Fill in the blank: _______________

🐰 Part 2: Read and Identify Themes

Fable 1: The Tortoise and the Hare

A hare was making fun of a tortoise for being so slow. "Do you ever get anywhere?" he asked with a mocking laugh. "Yes," replied the tortoise, "and I get there sooner than you think. I'll run you a race and prove it." The hare agreed, thinking this was a great joke. They started off, and the hare soon left the tortoise far behind. The hare decided to take a nap, thinking he had plenty of time. When he woke up, he saw the tortoise crossing the finish line ahead of him!

4. What is the theme of "The Tortoise and the Hare"?

Animals can talk

Slow and steady wins the race

Sleeping is important

Hares are faster than tortoises

Fable 2: The Boy Who Cried Wolf

A shepherd boy was bored while watching his sheep. To have some fun, he cried out, "Wolf! Wolf! A wolf is attacking the sheep!" The villagers came running to help, but there was no wolf. The boy laughed at the trick. A few days later, he did it again. "Wolf! Wolf!" he cried, and again the villagers came running, only to find no wolf. Then one day, a real wolf came. The boy cried, "Wolf! Wolf!" but this time, no one came to help because they thought he was lying again.

5. What is the theme of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"?

Wolves are dangerous

Shepherds have boring jobs

If you lie, people won't believe you when you tell the truth

Villages should help each other