Exploring Theme with Brown Girl Dreaming

In our fifth-grade classroom, we’ve been diving into the concept of theme using Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Understanding theme can be a challenging skill for young readers, as it requires them to think beyond the surface of a story and consider what the author wants us to learn. This week, our class has been working together to uncover the deeper messages in Woodson’s work by analyzing how the main character responds to key events in her life.

We started by identifying major events in the plot of Brown Girl Dreaming. The students brainstormed independently using Jot Thoughts. Each student had the chance to write down their ideas about the major events in the story: moments that shaped the character, showcased struggles, or highlighted triumphs. Once everyone had contributed, we shared these ideas in small groups and then created a comprehensive class poster with all of our ideas. 

Students identified events such as the character’s move to the South during the Civil Rights Movement, her struggle to find her voice as a writer, and the impact of family. One of the key lessons we’ve learned is that themes are often not explicitly stated. Woodson doesn’t tell us outright what we’re supposed to learn from her story; instead, she weaves her messages through the characters' events, dialogue, and reflections. 

Through our discussions, students began identifying themes such as perseverance, the importance of identity, and the power of family and community. We talked about how each of these themes can apply to our own lives and the world around us. By reflecting on how characters respond to adversity, we’ve learned that literature can teach us valuable lessons.

My 5th graders have truly blown me away with their engagement in these conversations and their ability to think critically about these complex themes! They have demonstrated curiosity, critical thinking, and teamwork as they worked together to uncover the hidden layers of meaning in the text. Learning about theme through Brown Girl Dreaming has not only deepened their understanding of the book but also encouraged them to think about how stories can inspire and guide us.