Inspiration

The Things They Carried {Themes} Concept Mapping

Grade
Subject
Length of Lesson
Lesson
Overview/Rationale

Curriculum
Framework/Standard

Learning Objectives

Nina Martin

11th
English
1 -60 minute classes

Themes may be stated directly or indirectly in literary work. Students

should be able to identify and discuss themes that occur within
literature. Identifying the presence of a theme allows a student to
analyze literature as they tap into their ability to think critically about
a subject as well as providing an opportunity to expand their world
view through a Universal Learning Design.
Reading Standards for Literature
1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the
text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
2. Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and
analyze their development over the course of the text, including how
they interact and build on one another to produce a complex
account; provide an objective summary of the text.
4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in
the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the
impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including
words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh,
engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other
authors.)
Technology Standards for Students
1. Creativity and Innovation
b. Create original works as a means of personal or group
expressions
Students will learn to use Inspiration Software
Students will practice visual thinking through Concept
Mapping

pg. 1

Inspiration

The Things They Carried {Themes} Concept Mapping

Nina Martin

Technology Uses

Materials

Procedures/Lesson
Plan

Students will brainstorm and organize work

Students will identify 3 themes from The Things They Carried
and elaborate on them through Concept Mapping.
Student will use Inspiration Software on school computers to create a
visual Concept Map of themes with details/ideas relating to each
one. Final Concept Maps should be printed from designated printers
at school.
Students- Book: The Things They Carried, Class Discussion Notes,
school computer equipped with Inspiration.
Designated printer to print completed/modified visual map
1. Students should work individually for this concept mapping
assignment using Inspiration software as a way to incorporate
Universal Learning through visual mapping.
2. Computer:
Click onInspiration icon>templates>Language Arts> Theme and
Characters.ist>Open
The following {example} Concept Map will open:

3. Character spaces will be deleted and each will be replaced by a

specific theme from the book.

pg. 2

Inspiration

The Things They Carried {Themes} Concept Mapping

Nina Martin

4. Words, Actions, Thoughts, should be replaced with words

and ideas which reflect the theme it is attached to. All work should
directly reflect class notes/discussions.
5. Add a title which should include Themes, and the title of the
book.
6. In addition, students are encouraged and permitted to be creative
and to add additional pictures/clip art or additional text as relates to
their individual Concept Map. Clip Art can be found (to the left) on
the page with the template. Scroll left or right in the box for more
clipart or enter search words at the bottom.
A basic completed/modified example of concept map:

Assessment

7. Students modified and completed concept map should be printed

and turned in to class by due date for a grade.
8. Teacher should be available to answer student questions regarding
Inspiration software as it pertains to the Concept Map assignment.
Students will be assessed based on:
A rubric

GRADING RUBRIC

pg. 3

Inspiration

Theme

The Things They Carried {Themes} Concept Mapping

Beginning
0 pt
Concept Map is
missing relevant
themes.

Creativity

0 pt
No effort was
made towards an
original work for
Concept Map.

Tech

0 pt
Concept Map was
not edited to
contain
appropriate
content.

Submission

0pt
Student did not
participate or
make an
individual
Concept Map.

Nina Martin

Developing
1pt
Concept Map
does not contain 3
relevant themes.

Exemplary
Score
2pts
3 Themes are
significant and
present on
Concept Map.
1pt
2pts
Some artistic
Major effort was
liberties were
put into creating
taken in
an original
producing an
Concept Map
original Concept
including clip art
Map.
and/or photos.
1pt
2pts
Concept Map was Concept Map was
edited but did not edited to meet
contain necessary requirements and
content.
contained all
appropriate
relevant content
regarding theme.
1pt
2 pts
Student submitted Student
Concept Map late. completed work
and submitted a
printed version of
their Concept
Map on time.
Total
8 pts possible

pg. 4