Read the story in its entirety and take notes on the general ideas that stand out. For example, these ideas might include sharing with others, taking care of the earth or jealousy. Pay attention to the natural rise and fall of the story and what stands out during the climax.
Circle on the list of what stands out any related concepts that help form a central theme. For example, a story that includes parts about saying "please" and "thank you," waiting to speak, and saying "excuse me" would fall under the category of manners. The list will most likely have more than one overall theme, especially in an advanced story.
Reread the story and pay more attention to the areas in which you took the most notes. Take note of such other variables in these sections as setting, music, colors or a character's looks. Think about how these factors correlate with reoccurring ideas, if at all.
Rewrite the circled concepts to form a new list. Add the new set of notes that includes annotations on the variables, such as setting. Think about how these factors correlate with reoccurring ideas, if at all.
Read the combined list. Does the central theme that you found still work? If so, dig deeper into what is happening to the story or character due to the theme. How can that be applied to other characters or to everyday life? Think about how it will affect the lives of students..
Check the lesson plan for its own questions, comments and suggested topics on the story. These most likely are located toward the end of the plan. Compare the themes and ideas that the plan provided with your list to find similarities and differences. Do they alter the story's meaning in any way? Are the suggestions of the lesson plan something upon which a teacher can build?