Symbolism

Teaching Symbolism with The Red Bandanna A story about Courage on September 11, 2001 from ESPN

Put up a display of any books you may have about the September 11 Terrorist Attacks Object as a Symbol with multiple meanings:
 * Have students complete a KWL Chart about September 11 Terrorist Attacks**

FAQ: How many people died? Casualties of the September 11 attacks. **2,996 people **were killed and more than 6,000 others were wounded during the September 11 attacks. These immediate deaths included 265 on the four planes, 2,606 in the World Trade Center and in the surrounding area, and 125 at the Pentagon. (Wikipedia)

Give students a circle map to complete as a group listing all the words and images associated with the Red Bandanna in the video. Can also use a red piece of copy or construction paper.
 * Group work (10 minutes)**

Each Group Shares out one word and why they chose it. Copy on to a master list for the class (whiteboard or chart paper)
 * Share Out (5 minutes)**

Symbol Activity Complete page 1 in the Symbol Activity Adapted from Project WRITE, San Diego Reflective Essay Lesson
 * Individual work:**

OR Symbolism Interactive Notebook FREE from Erin Cobb on Teachers Pay Teachers

Show the video or read the book to show how students already recognize symbols associated with colors:
 * Lesson 2**
 * Colors as Symbols:**

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss

Distribute a different color sheet of paper to each group and have them come up with words, pictures, and meanings associated with each color.
 * Group Work**

Have groups share out their work. For each color, ask the class to indicate whether the color has overall positive or negative images (use thumbs up or thumbs down). Some colors may be associated with both positive and negative feelings. Use this to demontrate Context and how the same thing can have multiple or different meanings depending on the person or context.

Symbol video Including Context

Have students complete the 2nd page in the Symbol Activity
 * Individual work:**

Follow up with Color Unit or My Many Colored Days mini book

Resources: Symbol Definition from Your Dictionary Teacher tutorial for teaching symbolism Apple Symbolism Fire Example Heart Example Symbols may have different meanings for different people