You will read a short story and discover what big ideas (themes) are underneath the characters and events. Then, you’ll group three of those big ideas into a thematic triad and turn it into your own thematic statement—a sentence about what the story is really saying about life.
At Parkside Middle School, the most coveted spot was the row of lockers under the stairwell. No one assigned them. They just belonged to the group known as the Crew. They weren’t athletes or honor students, just a cluster of kids with confidence and volume.
When Jalen got his class schedule, his locker number was 32—under the stairwell. He smiled until someone tapped his shoulder.
“That’s Crew territory,” said Maya, tugging her hoodie nervously. “You should switch.”
“It’s just a locker,” Jalen said. “I’m not afraid.”
By lunch, everyone knew. The Crew stared at him as he walked by, their whispers sharp as knives.
The next morning, his locker was covered in sticky notes: “POSER,” “LOSER,” and one said “RUN.”
Jalen clenched his fists. He thought about switching lockers. But then he saw Maya walking over, her books hugged to her chest.
“You’re still here,” she said, surprised.
“Yeah. I’m not giving up what’s mine.”
Maya hesitated. “Then I’m sitting with you today. At lunch.”
That day, the Crew was quieter. The next, even quieter still. By Friday, two more kids joined Jalen and Maya at lunch. No one mentioned lockers again.
Thematic Components List
- Love
- Friendship
- Family
- Courage
- Loyalty
- Freedom
- Greed
- Power
- Corruption
- Justice
- Revenge
- Forgiveness
- Hope
- Fear
- Prejudice
- Survival
- Ambition
- Sacrifice
- Violence
- Loneliness
- Truth
- Identity
- Betrayal
- Honesty
- Growth
- Responsibility
- Discrimination
- Tradition
- Obedience
- Change
Step 1: Read the Passage
- Choose one of the short story.
- Think about the characters’ choices, feelings, and what lesson or message the author might be showing.
Step 2: Identify Thematic Components
- Use the list above.
- As you read, write down at least 4–6 big ideas (thematic components) you notice in the story.
(Examples: fear, power, family, love, responsibility, freedom, betrayal)
Step 3: Create a Thematic Triad
- Choose 3 thematic components that connect well together from your list.
- There’s no one “right” answer—just pick ones you think work based on the story.
- Write them in a group together, like this:
Triad: Courage, friendship, trust
Step 4: Write a Thematic Statement
- Use your triad to write a sentence about the story’s message.
- Start your sentence with “When…”
Think of the pattern:
“When this happens, then that happens.”✔️ Example:
“When people show courage and trust in their friends, strong bonds can grow even in scary situations.”
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