Activity Overview
A number of symbols appear throughout Wonder. Symbols are objects or events that have a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. Have students choose something from Wonder that has symbolic meaning, and create a storyboard of it along with a text explanation.
Questions to get students started:
- Why is the object important?
- What object, feeling, or change does the symbol represent?
- Do characters in the story recognize the symbolism, or is it only the reader?
- What object, feeling, or change does the symbol represent?
Examples of Symbolism in Wonder
Shoes
Auggie mentions shoes a number of times. This shows that he spends a lot of time looking down, not making eye contact. This is probably because he is self-conscious and doesn't want to see the reactions people will have to his face.
Padawan Braid
Auggie cutting his braid off symbolizes personal growth and a clear transition from one part of his life (homeschooling) to another ("real school").
Masks
Auggie frequently wore an astronaut helmet in the past, and also wears a "Scream" mask on Halloween. Masks symbolize Auggie's desire to hide from others. He feels freakish and thinks people don't like him because of his appearance.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies and explains symbols in Wonder.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify three symbols from Wonder and replace the text in the title boxes.
- Create an image using any combination of scenes, characters, items, and text that represents this symbol in the context of the story.
- Write a description of each of the symbols.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Symbols | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. | Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the symbols and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the symbols, and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for symbols are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for symbols are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for symbols are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Teach Symbols in an Elementary Classroom
Introduce the Concept
Understanding symbols can be difficult for students to grasp. Use some common symbols found in the classroom to help. For instance, a heart is just a shape, but it represents so much more, like love, devotion, and friendship. Once students understand symbols in real life, they can then tackle them in stories.
Help Students Find Symbols
Students may need help to point out which objects may have significance in a story. Not every "thing" represents something beyond itself, but when objects show the growth of characters or impact the action and meaning of the story, they are often symbols.
Create a Visual
Students learn best through doing, so allowing students to draw the symbols they find and write short descriptions is a powerful idea. This leads to deeper thinking and better understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Symbolism in Wonder
What do symbols offer to a story?
Symbols are very important in a story, and they are objects that represent something beyond themselves. They may show a deeper meaning or that a change is coming for a character. They fill a story with layers and depth, and make the story more intricate.
How can students find a symbol in the story?
Students should look for objects that are repeated several times in the story. The objects may relate to a character or situation and often signify a change for the characters or the plot.
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