In 5th grade, the theme is often discussed as the main idea or underlying message of a story, poem, or other piece of writing. It's what the author wants the reader to take away from the work.
For example, if you read a story about friendship, the theme might be "the importance of kindness and support among friends." In simple terms, think of the theme as the big idea that helps you understand what the story is really about, beyond just the events that happen.
When discussing themes, teachers often encourage students to think about the characters, their actions, and what they learn, as these elements can help reveal the theme.