Looking for a way to introduce class members to the concept of symbolism and multiple levels of meaning? Readers examine two different passages about the beach and consider how the writers use concrete objects, and places to represent abstract ideas.

Concepts

symbols, symbolism, imagery, abstract nouns, literary devices, diction, Narrative Writing, personal narrative writing

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Begin the lesson by posting images with high symbolic values (e.g. a flag, a valentine heart, a grave marker, etc.) and ask class members to first identify the object and then to identify the ideas associated with the object
• Ask two class members to post the terms suggested by the class, one recording concrete suggestions (sand, waves, ocean, etc) and one listing the more abstract terms (summer, fun, vacations, etc.)
• Rather than a teacher-led discussion, provide groups with the discussion questions, have them respond to the questions using evidence for the passages, and then share their findings with the class

Classroom Considerations

• Class members should have experience crafting personal narratives
• Requires copies of the handout

Pros

• The five-page packet includes a plan, discussion questions, and a template for the reading passages

Cons

• No rubric is included for the writing assignment

Common Core

L.9-10.1.a L.9-10.3.a L.9-10.4.a L.9-10.5.a