Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols, and motifs present throughout the novel Amal Unbound. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found!
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Amal Unbound
- Bravery
- Hope
- Fear
- The Power of an Education
- Literacy
- Indentured Servitude
- Classism and Class Privilege
- Sexism and Gender Discrimination
- Patriarchal Society
- Friendship
- Family
- Injustice and Inequities that restrict freedom
- Choice
- Inequities
- Books
- Pomegranate
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols. or motifs found in Amal Unbound. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Amal Unbound you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | 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 are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols, and motifs present throughout the novel Amal Unbound. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found!
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Amal Unbound
- Bravery
- Hope
- Fear
- The Power of an Education
- Literacy
- Indentured Servitude
- Classism and Class Privilege
- Sexism and Gender Discrimination
- Patriarchal Society
- Friendship
- Family
- Injustice and Inequities that restrict freedom
- Choice
- Inequities
- Books
- Pomegranate
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols. or motifs found in Amal Unbound. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Amal Unbound you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | 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 are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How Tos about Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Amal Unbound
Plan a collaborative project to explore themes and symbols
Invite students to work in small groups to research and present on different themes or symbols from Amal Unbound. This encourages teamwork and deeper understanding as students explain their findings to classmates.
Assign specific roles to each group member
Designate roles such as researcher, artist, writer, and presenter within each group. Clear responsibilities keep everyone engaged and accountable.
Guide students to gather textual evidence
Have each group locate quotes or scenes from the novel that best illustrate their assigned theme or symbol. Direct evidence strengthens their understanding and presentations.
Coach groups to create visual representations
Encourage students to draw or digitally design images that symbolize their theme or motif. Visual aids make presentations more engaging and memorable.
Facilitate group presentations and peer feedback
Let each group present their findings and visuals to the class. Guide classmates to ask questions or offer positive feedback, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Amal Unbound
What are the main themes in Amal Unbound?
Amal Unbound explores key themes such as bravery, hope, the power of education, inequality, classism, sexism, patriarchy, family, and friendship. These themes highlight both individual struggles and broader societal issues.
How can students identify symbols and motifs in Amal Unbound?
Students can look for recurring objects, ideas, or images—like books and pomegranates—and discuss how they represent deeper meanings. Activities like spider maps or envelope activities help track and illustrate these elements throughout the novel.
What is an effective classroom activity for teaching themes and symbols in Amal Unbound?
Storyboard assignments are highly effective. Students select themes, symbols, or motifs, create visual representations based on the text, and write a brief description for each. This promotes comprehension and creative thinking.
Why is the motif of education important in Amal Unbound?
The motif of education is central because it symbolizes hope and the potential to change one’s life. For Amal, learning represents freedom from oppression and the pathway to a brighter future.
What are examples of symbols used in Amal Unbound?
Common symbols include books, representing knowledge and empowerment, and pomegranates, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
More Storyboard That Activities
Amal Unbound
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
