Reading

Symbolism
Standards
CCSS:

Objective(s)
1. TLWBAT define and
identify examples of
symbolism.

Assessment
1. Teacher observation
2. TLW identify examples
of symbolism in the poem
Mother to Son by
Langston Hughes.

RL.5.4: Determine the

meaning of words and
phrases as they are used EQ: How do good
in a text, including
readers identify and
figurative language such understand symbolism?
as metaphors and
similes.
Materials and Resources: (1) Bud, Not Buddy (2) Anchor Chart-Symbolism (3)
Sample poems (4) Sticky Notes (5) Reading Journal
Lesson Introduction
To begin the lesson, the teacher will read Bud, Not
*How will you engage
Buddy aloud. Students will complete their sticky note
your students in the
thinking for the day.
topic?
The teacher will tell students that today they will be
discovering symbolism. They will be taking a few
notes in their Reading Journal, discussing examples
of symbolism, and examining a poem.

Procedure
*Be specific give stepby-step instructions

Lesson Closure
*How will you summarize
the lesson?

Students need to stay quiet and focused because

this is a lengthy lesson so we can have time to work
on poems afterwards.
1. Introduce symbolism by having partners turn
and talk, sharing what they think it means
2. Bring the class back to whole group and have
students share out
3. Share teaching point (TP) and have students
write the definition in their journals
4. Discuss the different examples of symbols
listed on chart. Brainstorm other common
symbols that we see every day and share out
5. Students should copy definition of symbolism.
Refer to Buds suitcase, what does this
represent? Turn and Talk then share out
6. Pass out Mother to Son handout. Students
will follow along as it is read aloud. After
reading, fill out the chart as a class, citing
examples of symbolism from the poem.
Review the examples as a class.
Ask: What overall message are we getting from this
poem and the symbols we discussed?
**Students should glue these handouts into journal and
work on poems.**