The following activities can be useful to activate prior knowledge or to stimulate discussion on what constitutes a symbol.
Use this symbols identification activity to generate discussion about what a symbol is.
Choose a symbol. Have students brainstorm what they KNOW, WONDER and have LEARNED about this symbol, using this graphic organizer.
Symbols tell a story. The following stories by Canadian authors are about specific symbols, and can be read aloud to generate class discussion.
Go for a walk and identify symbols found in your
Consider flags, logos on buildings, emblems on licence plates, mascots and crests, and symbols on currency.
Ask your students to bring to class an item that is symbolic to their family or home. Encourage students to share the stories behind the symbols. Alternatively, ask your students to draw a picture of something of symbolic meaning to them or to their family.