Symbolism is the heartbeat of literature, providing depth, meaning, and profound layers that make stories unforgettable. But let's face it—teaching symbolism can feel abstract and elusive. The real magic happens when we align literature with the real world. This deep connection led me to design an engaging activity that not only introduces the concept of symbolism but does it in a way that students can immediately relate to: through personal symbols. (If you're curious about the specifics of this activity, you can find the lesson I've crafted on my TPT store.)
How to Introduce Symbolism in Your Classroom:
1. Establish Their Expertise
Kick off by reminding students of the symbols they already know and interact with daily. Display easily recognizable symbols, like the peace sign, the Apple logo, car brands, or even fun characters like Toad from Super Mario Brothers. Without their respective labels, ask students to identify them. Their instant recognition will provide them a sense of achievement and eagerness to dive deeper.
2. Bridge Personal Symbols to Literary Ones
Pop the question: "Why do symbols matter in literature?" Encourage students to brainstorm, guiding them gently towards the idea that symbols act as bridges from tangible objects to intangible concepts and themes. They make the narrative richer and themes more palpable.
3. Empower Their Analytical Skills
Share clues on spotting symbols in literature. Questions they might consider include:
What associations does an object bring to mind?
What emotion is a character feeling when a symbol appears?
How frequently does the object or symbol appear in the narrative?
Reinforce the idea that every interpretation is valid, as long as it's supported by evidence from the text.
4. Connect with Personal Stories
Leverage personal symbols to make this lesson memorable. Encourage students to bring an object from home that symbolizes something significant about them. As they present their symbols, it's not just a mere show-and-tell—each item now carries weight and meaning, ready to be decoded.
The Origin of this Approach
I conceptualized this approach during my transition from teaching sixth to eighth grade ELA. (I'm certified to teach K - 12, but I had always thought that middle school combined the best of both worlds.) My colleagues used a brown bag activity, where students would bring personal items to class as a way to introduce themselves. While it was engaging, it existed in isolation, detached from any literary concept. That's when it struck me - these items were symbols. Personal symbols. This activity became the cornerstone of introducing symbolism, a concept we would deep-dive into later in the year.
The outcome? The activity wasn't just an icebreaker or a fun first-day exercise. It was the foundation upon which many subsequent lessons were built. It made discussions richer, analysis deeper, and literary appreciation more profound. By the time we explored the lightning scar on Harry Potter's forehead or delved into the intricacies of other literary symbols, my students were more than ready—they were eager. (It's on my TPT Store, if you want to check it out.)
Wrapping Up
Teaching shouldn't just be about following the curriculum—it should be about resonating with students. When we mold lessons around their experiences, the impact is lasting. This symbolism lesson is just one example. If you're keen on exploring personal symbols with your students, I've detailed this activity in my TPT Store. Dive in, adapt, and watch as symbols transform your literature lessons.
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