Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to understand without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements.
In this activity, students can chose a symbol from the poem and depict what they think it represents using a storyboard.
In this poem, wings symbolize a person's abilities.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify examples of symbols in the poem.
Encourage students to look for repeating objects, words, or images in a poem. Point out that symbols are often used more than once to show importance.
Prompt students to think about what the symbol might mean outside the poem. Discuss how wings could represent freedom or opportunity in their own lives.
Read the poem aloud and highlight lines that might include symbols. Show how to jot notes in the margins about possible meanings.
Ask students to draw the symbol and what it stands for in the poem. Display their work to make abstract ideas more concrete and visible.
Invite students to share their symbol and its meaning. Encourage respectful listening and new ideas about how symbols can be interpreted.
Wings in 'Your World' symbolize a person's abilities and potential. When the wings are kept by the side, it shows self-doubt. When they are open, it means the person is ready to realize their potential and succeed.
Use storyboards to help students visually connect symbols to their meanings. Ask them to pick a symbol from the poem, explain what it represents, and illustrate it with scenes or characters. This makes abstract ideas more concrete and engaging.
Relate symbols to everyday objects (like a heart for love). Use visual aids, discuss examples from familiar stories, and encourage students to create drawings or storyboards to show what a symbol means in a poem.
Teaching themes and symbols early helps students develop critical thinking and reading comprehension. Understanding these elements prepares them to analyze more complex texts as they progress in school.
Students should: 1) Read the poem carefully; 2) Choose a symbol (like wings); 3) Write the symbol as a heading; 4) Explain its meaning; 5) Illustrate it with appropriate scenes; and 6) Save their assignment.