Symbols of Thanksgiving

Objects come to symbolize different things in various contexts and understanding symbolism is vital to a greater appreciation of literature. Many students can recognize that something is associated with Thanksgiving, but they may not understand why. This activity can give students a good foundation on symbols and symbolism, or it can be used as a focus on Thanksgiving itself.

I chose to use the spider map layout in my example. The symbol should be named in the title box, a visual representation should be made in the storyboard cell, and an explanation of what the symbol represents should be included in the description box.

Here are a few possible examples:

• Pilgrims and Native Americans

  Both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans contributed to the celebration feast of the successful harvest. Having a Pilgrim and Native American together shows friendship.

• Corn, Pumpkins, and Gourds

  Corn was a staple to the Native Americans and they taught the Pilgrims to grow it. Pumpkins, squash, and other gourds are vegetables harvested in the fall.

• Autumn Leaves

  Thanksgiving occurs during autumn. The colored leaves reminds us that the plentiful summer is over, and the cold winter, when little food is to be found, is coming.

• Wheat

  Wheat is usually harvested during the fall. Wheat is used to make flour for bread, which has been an important source of food for thousands of years.

• Turkey

  At Thanksgiving, we eat turkey: a bird that was available to people in the time of the first Thanksgivings. In England, they typically ate goose at the harvest time.

• Cornucopia

  The cornucopia is also known as the "horn of plenty." It represents the wealth and the bounty of the fall harvest.

• Cranberry Sauce

  Cranberries were one type of berry that the Pilgrims were able to forage. They used maple syrup to sweeten the juice.

Student Instructions

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Write the symbol in the heading.
3. Explain what each symbol represents in the description box.
4. Create a visual representation of each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
5. Save and Exit