Representing Ideas with Symbols

Active learning works well for this topic because symbols are everywhere in students’ lives, yet their meaning isn’t always obvious. By moving, discussing, and creating, students connect abstract representations to real-world experiences they already have.

• Year 1
• Technologies
• 3 activities
• 15 min–30 min

Learning Objectives

1. Identify common symbols used in digital applications and explain their meaning.
2. Compare how different symbols communicate specific ideas or instructions.
3. Design a novel symbol to represent a given concept, such as 'happy' or 'sad'.
4. Explain why symbols are effective for quick communication in digital interfaces.

Think-Pair-Share

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Symbol Detective

Show a common digital symbol (like a Wi-Fi signal). Students think about what it means, share with a partner where they have seen it, and then share with the class.

Prepare & details

Explain how a single picture can tell a whole story.

Facilitation Tip: During Symbol Detective, give each pair only three minutes to find symbols in the classroom before sharing with the group.

Setup: Standard classroom seating; students turn to a neighbor

Materials: Discussion prompt (projected or printed), Optional: recording sheet for pairs

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Indigenous Symbols

Look at traditional Aboriginal symbols for 'waterhole' or 'journey'. Students work in groups to compare how these symbols and modern digital icons both use simple shapes to tell a story.

Prepare & details

Justify why we use symbols instead of words in some digital apps.

Facilitation Tip: When investigating Indigenous symbols, invite students to gently touch or trace the symbols to connect with tactile learning.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Simulation Game

⏱ 20 min·Individual

Simulation Game: The Silent Message

Students must communicate a simple instruction (like 'sit down' or 'wash hands') to the class using only a symbol they draw on a whiteboard, without using any words.

Prepare & details

Design a symbol that means 'danger' for everyone in the world.

Facilitation Tip: In The Silent Message simulation, intentionally remove verbal instructions to force reliance on symbol interpretation.

Setup: Flexible space for group stations

Materials: Role cards with goals/resources, Game currency or tokens, Round tracker

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Teaching This Topic

Teach this topic by starting with what students already know—icons on their devices—and then expanding to cultural and historical contexts. Avoid assuming symbols are universal; instead, use discussion to uncover their constructed meanings. Research shows that when students create their own symbols first, they understand the need for agreed-upon representations later.

What to Expect

Successful learning looks like students confidently identifying symbols, explaining their meanings, and discussing why certain symbols are used in different contexts. They should begin to see symbols not just as pictures, but as tools for communication.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Symbol Detective, watch for students assuming symbols must visually resemble their meaning.

What to Teach Instead

After the Think-Pair-Share, show students the floppy disk 'save' icon and ask them to describe what it looks like versus what it represents to reinforce that symbols are agreements.

Common Misconception

During Collaborative Investigation: Indigenous Symbols, watch for students assuming all symbols mean the same thing across cultures.

What to Teach Instead

Use the group discussion to compare symbols from different Indigenous groups, explicitly pointing out variations in meaning and design within the same cultural context.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After Symbol Detective, show students a series of common icons (e.g., home button, play button, Wi-Fi symbol). Ask them to write or draw what each symbol means on a whiteboard or paper. Review responses to gauge understanding.

Exit Ticket

After Collaborative Investigation: Indigenous Symbols, provide students with a card asking them to draw one symbol they use every day and write one sentence explaining what it means. Collect these to assess individual symbol recognition and explanation skills.

Discussion Prompt

During The Silent Message simulation, ask students: 'Imagine you are designing a new app for younger children. What symbols would you use to show them how to save their game? Why are these symbols better than writing out the words?' Facilitate a class discussion on symbol clarity and audience.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge: Ask students to invent a new symbol for a concept like 'quiet reading time' and explain their design choices.
• Scaffolding: Provide a word bank of actions (e.g., save, play, share) and ask students to match them to simple icons before creating their own.
• Deeper: Explore how symbols change across cultures by comparing traffic signs from different countries.

Key Vocabulary

Symbol	A picture or sign that represents an idea, object, or concept.
Icon	A small graphical representation of a program, function, or command on a computer or device.
Emoji	A small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion.
Data	Information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making.