nieworld.com

Teachers

Students

Families

Projects

Email NIE

This activity integrates the concepts of characterization and symbolism in literature. Evaluation of this activity can be left to the discretion of the teacher; however, I assign a point value to both parts of the assignment with a heavier point value on the written portion.

Step 1. Teach students the concept of symbolism using whatever means the teacher finds most effective. It would be most helpful if direct and indirect characterization had already been taught.

Step 2. Choose two or three characters from recently read short stories or novels. Discuss with the class how these characters were developed through thoughts, actions, words, and descriptions (direct and indirect characterization).

Step 3. After students have developed a good understanding of the development of characterization within the chosen narratives, form groups of three or four students.

Step 4. Each group will need a box of clay. Each group will be instructed to mold an animal (real or imaginary) that symbolizes one character. Many students mold an imaginary animal that symbolizes several of the character´s traits.

Step 5. This clay figure must be accompanied by a written explanation that demonstrates an understanding of the symbolism depicted by the clay figure.

Step 6.The group may then present their clay symbol and explanation of the figure to the class.

Evaluation: Evaluation can be left to the teacher´s discretion but it is important to include both the clay figure and the written explanation in the evaluation. Students especially enjoy molding the clay into animal figures that symbolize a character and enjoy presenting their creations to the class.

Olivia Deutsch
7th Grade Language Arts
Southwestern Middle School

Copyright © 2009 NIE WORLD (www.nieworld.com). All content copyrighted and may not be republished without permission. The News-Journal has no control over and is not responsible for content on other Web sites. Privacy Policy.