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Theme Shape Poems

Theme Shape Poems are free-verse poems that fit within an important image from a
story. Selecting an image and creating a list of descriptive words are important first
steps in the creation of a Theme Shape Poem.

Identify six images that are important in your story or book.

1. _____________________________ 4. __________________________

2. _____________________________ 5. __________________________

3. _________________________ 6. __________________________

Brainstorm and record in the space below as many words as possible to describe the
character(s), setting, plot, mood, and main idea of your story. (Remember to think
about any special words, phrases, or descriptions used in the story, and any important
pieces of dialogue.)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________


What is the theme of the story?

A theme is an underlying message about life or human nature that a writer wants a reader to
understand. Theme cannot be expressed in a word or two: courage, love, pride, etc. Theme is a
statement about such subjects. The theme is always written in a complete sentence. For
instance, love can be a main topic/subject of a book. But love is not a theme. A theme
might be Love, if taken to extremes, can have negative outcomes. Theme in a story tells you
about life.

To identify a theme:
Identify the main character and the conflict.
Follow how the character solves the problem.
Notice what the character learns from the solution of the problem.
Connect what the character learns to a lesson about life. What is the author
trying to say about the idea?
3

Themes:
Are not lessons for how people should act.
Are not trite sayings or clichs such as Actions speak louder than words.
Do not directly refer to a particular piece. Themes do not use titles or character
names.
Avoid absolute terms such as all, none, everything, always, and never.

Identify at least 3 themes in your book. Remember to write a theme in a complete sentence.

1. _______________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________________







Think carefully about the six images you have chosen. Select an image to draw for your poem.
Draw a rough sketch of your image. Be sure that you create areas within your poem for writing
the words. Include the title of the book you have been reading.

Think carefully about your list of words and the theme of your story. Write a poem using the
words from your list (you may add words). The poem should inform the reader of the theme of
the book you have been reading. On another sheet of paper, write a rough draft of your poem.
Revise and edit your poem, and then add it to the drawing.

Filling up an 8 X 11 inch sheet of paper, create a final drawing with the poem incorporated
into the picture.
The water
I became the
breeze, floating

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