Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate 2 of the themes in When You Trap a Tiger. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 2 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in When You Trap a Tiger
Family
Lily, her mother, and her sister move to Washington to take care of Halmoni. Family is a very big part of Lily’s life. Lily will do anything to save her halmoni’s life.
Korean Culture
The theme of Korean culture is prevalent throughout the book. One example of this is when Halmoni does a “kosa”, which is the laying out of plates and foods for their ancestors, so that they may eat before the living.
Storytelling
The entire novel is based around the stories of Halmoni’s past and the stories that she stole from the tigers. Lily learns that stories can bring up very strong emotions.
Identity
At the beginning of the story, Lily is quiet and often feels invisible. Her sister calls her a stereotypical “QAG”, or Quiet Asian Girl. Lily wants to be more outgoing and brave, and does not want to be invisible anymore.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in When You Trap a Tiger. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from When You Trap a Tiger you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate 2 of the themes in When You Trap a Tiger. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate 2 themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.
Examples of Themes in When You Trap a Tiger
Family
Lily, her mother, and her sister move to Washington to take care of Halmoni. Family is a very big part of Lily’s life. Lily will do anything to save her halmoni’s life.
Korean Culture
The theme of Korean culture is prevalent throughout the book. One example of this is when Halmoni does a “kosa”, which is the laying out of plates and foods for their ancestors, so that they may eat before the living.
Storytelling
The entire novel is based around the stories of Halmoni’s past and the stories that she stole from the tigers. Lily learns that stories can bring up very strong emotions.
Identity
At the beginning of the story, Lily is quiet and often feels invisible. Her sister calls her a stereotypical “QAG”, or Quiet Asian Girl. Lily wants to be more outgoing and brave, and does not want to be invisible anymore.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in When You Trap a Tiger. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes from When You Trap a Tiger you wish to include and write them in the headings.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Themes in When You Trap a Tiger
How to Guide Students in Finding Text Evidence for Themes
Encourage students to look for specific sentences or scenes that show the theme in action. Text evidence helps students prove why they chose a theme and supports their thinking with concrete examples from the story.
Model How to Highlight or Note Theme Evidence While Reading
Show students how to use sticky notes, highlighters, or digital tools to mark moments that relate to major themes. Modeling this process makes it easier for students to spot and remember evidence as they read.
Facilitate Partner Discussions About Theme Choices
Pair up students to share the evidence they've found and explain how it connects to a theme. Discussion deepens understanding and allows students to learn from each other's perspectives.
Create a Class Anchor Chart of Theme Evidence
Build a visual chart together listing key themes and supporting evidence found by students. Anchor charts serve as a helpful reference during writing or storyboard creation.
Celebrate Creative Examples and Clear Explanations
Recognize students who find unique examples or explain their reasoning clearly. Positive feedback boosts confidence and motivates all students to engage with text evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes in When You Trap a Tiger
What are the main themes in When You Trap a Tiger?
When You Trap a Tiger explores several key themes, including family, Korean culture, storytelling, and identity. These themes help drive the characters’ growth and the story’s message about heritage, courage, and connection.
How can students identify themes in When You Trap a Tiger?
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas, messages, or issues that appear throughout the story. Noticing how characters act, what challenges they face, and the lessons they learn can help reveal the book’s main themes.
What is an example of Korean culture in When You Trap a Tiger?
One example is when Halmoni performs a kosa, a traditional Korean ritual where food is set out for ancestors before the living eat. This shows the importance of honoring family heritage in the story.
Why is storytelling important in When You Trap a Tiger?
Storytelling is central to the novel. Halmoni’s stories connect Lily to her family’s past, teach lessons, and evoke strong emotions. Stories help Lily understand herself and her culture.
What activity can teachers use to help students explore themes in When You Trap a Tiger?
Teachers can have students create a storyboard that identifies and illustrates two major themes from the book. Students can draw scenes and write short descriptions to show understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
When You Trap a Tiger
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