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The Heart of the Story: Discovering Themes

SAT Score Range

3 sessions

+7

This series ended on June 9, 2025. All 1:1 and group chats related to this series are disabled 7 days after the last session.

About

Have you ever read a story and thought, “Okay… but what does it really mean?” In this 3-part series, we’ll dig beneath the surface of short texts to uncover their deeper messages. You’ll learn how to identify both surface and depth themes, analyze how characters and conflicts develop those themes, and practice expressing your ideas clearly through strong literary commentary. Whether you’re new to literary analysis or want to sharpen your skills, this series will give you the tools to read with insight and write with confidence.


Tutored by

Alexia Elena A 🇷🇴

Senior Tutor

Certified in 1 topic

View Profile

Hi there! You’ve just entered the slightly chaotic (but always passionate) corner of Schoolhouse that I call home. If you were looking for a calm and collected energy… well, this might not be it. But if you’re into mildly stressed enthusiasm, spontaneous deep dives into literature, science, and the occasional identity crisis over sentence structure, welcome, you’ve found your people! I’m Alexia, a Senior Reading & Writing Tutor here at Schoolhouse, and I’m also part of the Blog Team (yes, we write the stuff people read when procrastinating… or looking for actual insight). Whether I’m breaking down symbolism in a novel or figuring out how science explains the everyday, I love making connections that make you go: wait, that actually makes sense. Outside of tutoring, I’m usually on the tennis court, scribbling half-formed story ideas, or planning my next escape to somewhere new. I believe travel is just another form of storytelling (and I collect both like they’re going out of style) So if you ever want to talk about the intersections of math and metaphor, why Serena Williams is a legend, or how to survive being a productive perfectionist, I’m your person. And hey, if your brain needs a break, swing by the Schoolhouse Blog. There’s always something worth reading (or overthinking). Let’s embrace the chaos and make it count. As Serena Williams says, “Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” So let’s be those champions, keep pushing, and inspire each other every step of the way! 🤌🏻

Schedule

✋ ATTENDANCE POLICY

Since this series builds on skills from one session to the next, it’s highly recommended that you attend all three sessions so that everyone can stay on the same page. If something comes up and you can’t make it, please message me in advance. That way, I can help you catch up or share any materials you missed!

SESSION 1

5

Jun

SESSION 1

Other Topics

Other Topics

Thu 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM UTCJun 5, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM UTC

What’s the difference between what a story says and what it means? In this session, we’ll explore surface themes (the obvious ideas) vs. depth themes (the underlying messages). Through short, engaging texts, you’ll learn how to spot themes and begin thinking about why they matter.

SESSION 2

8

Jun

SESSION 2

Other Topics

Other Topics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM UTCJun 8, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM UTC

Themes aren’t just hidden in the background—they’re built by what characters do and struggle with. In this session, you’ll analyze how character actions and conflicts help develop the main message of a text. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to “read between the lines.”

SESSION 3

9

Jun

SESSION 3

Essay Writing

Essay Writing

Mon 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM UTCJun 9, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM UTC

Now that you know how to find a theme, how do you explain it well? This session focuses on writing strong commentary about theme, using clear structure and specific evidence. You’ll write your own short paragraph and get friendly feedback to improve your analysis skills.


Public Discussion

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Jun 5 - Jun 9

1 week

45 - 60 mins

/ session

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Jun 5

4:15PM

Sunday, Jun 8

2:15PM

Monday, Jun 9

2:00PM