Language Arts · Grade 6

Active learning ideas

Symbolism in Narrative

Active learning helps students move beyond surface-level reading to interpret layered meanings. Symbolism relies on evidence and discussion, making hands-on activities the best way to build confidence and depth in analysis.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4

• 30–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 30 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Symbol Scavenger Hunt

Students read a short story excerpt individually and underline potential symbols. In pairs, they discuss and agree on one symbol's meaning, then share with the class via a shared digital board. End with a whole-class vote on the strongest interpretation.

Analyze how a mundane object can represent a larger philosophical idea.

Facilitation Tip

During Symbol Scavenger Hunt, circulate to prompt students to justify their choices with specific text evidence, not just hunches.

What to look for

Provide students with a short passage containing a clear symbol (e.g., a wilting flower). Ask them to identify the symbol, state its literal meaning, and explain what abstract idea it might represent in the context of the passage.

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

Activity 02

• Hexagonal Thinking
• 45 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Symbol Web Mapping

Groups select a story symbol and draw a web linking it to textual evidence, theme, and cultural parallels. Each member adds one connection before presenting to another group for feedback. Compile webs into a class anchor chart.

Explain why certain symbols reappear across different cultures and eras.

Facilitation Tip

During Symbol Web Mapping, model how to link symbols to both plot events and character emotions to show integration.

What to look for

Present students with images of common symbols (e.g., a dove, a heart, a scale). Ask: 'Why do you think these images have come to represent specific ideas like peace, love, or justice? How does this relate to how authors use symbols in stories?'

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Hexagonal Thinking
• 50 min · Small Groups

Whole Class: Symbol Debate Carousel

Post story excerpts with ambiguous symbols around the room. Students rotate in groups, debating meanings and citing evidence on sticky notes. Conclude with a class synthesis of common themes.

Construct an argument for the symbolic meaning of an object in a given text.

Facilitation Tip

During Symbol Debate Carousel, assign roles (e.g., evidence gatherer, counter-argument builder) to ensure all voices contribute.

What to look for

Give students a list of objects (e.g., a key, a storm, a road). Ask them to quickly jot down one abstract idea each object could symbolize in a story and one sentence explaining their choice.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Hexagonal Thinking
• 35 min · Individual

Individual: Personal Symbol Creation

Students choose an object from their life, write a short narrative using it symbolically, and explain its theme connection in a reflection paragraph. Share volunteers' work for peer feedback.

Analyze how a mundane object can represent a larger philosophical idea.

Facilitation Tip

During Personal Symbol Creation, ask students to write a short rationale explaining how their symbol represents their chosen idea.

What to look for

Provide students with a short passage containing a clear symbol (e.g., a wilting flower). Ask them to identify the symbol, state its literal meaning, and explain what abstract idea it might represent in the context of the passage.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach symbolism by grounding interpretation in textual evidence rather than guessing. Avoid overloading students with possible meanings; instead, guide them to defend their ideas with details from the text. Research shows that collaborative analysis builds flexible thinking, so pair discussions with individual reflection to deepen understanding.

Students will confidently identify symbols, justify their interpretations with evidence, and connect symbols to themes. Success looks like clear explanations, collaborative discussions, and thoughtful creations.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Symbol Scavenger Hunt, watch for students treating symbols as having a single, universal meaning.

  Use the paired discussion to ask, 'What evidence from the text or our culture makes you think this symbol means resilience?' to shift focus to context rather than fixed answers.

• During Symbol Web Mapping, watch for students seeing symbols as hidden clues only for advanced readers.

  Point to the web’s connections between symbols and plot events, asking, 'How does this detail add to the story’s message for all readers?' to emphasize author intent and accessibility.

• During Personal Symbol Creation, watch for students disconnecting symbols from themes.

  Require a written rationale that explicitly links the symbol to a theme, such as, 'I chose a bridge because it shows how my character overcomes obstacles.'

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Hexagonal Thinking