Activity Overview
Symbols come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a symbol or motif from the novel and design an image or scene as illustration. Below the square, they should explain their scene’s significance. The example storyboard discusses the symbolism behind Catherine’s caged birds. Other symbols and motifs include the following:
Symbols
- Catherine’s Journal
- Embroidery
- Granny’s Cottage
- The Bird Pin from Stephen
Motifs
- Saints and Religion
- Writing and Drawing
Catherine, Called Birdy Symbol Square
The Caged Birds
The caged birds in Catherine's room represent Catherine herself. Catherine's nickname "Birdy" or "Little Bird" emphasizes this connection. Like the birds, Catherine feels trapped, unable to escape the life that is forced upon her. At the end of the book, Birdy frees all her birds except the popinjay which cannot survive on its own. She recognizes that she is most like the popinjay; she needs her friends and family to survive and cannot simply run away from her life.
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 one symbol from the text.
- Type in the symbol in the title box.
- Illustrate an example of the symbol.
- In the description box, describe the importance of the symbol.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme, Symbol, or Motif | The idea or object is correctly identified as an important theme, symbol, or motif in the story. | The idea or object is correctly identified as important, but is mislabeled as theme, symbol, or motif. | The idea or object is not significant to the story. |
| Example and Description | The example supports the identified theme, symbol, or motif. Description clearly says why example is significant. | Most examples fit the identified theme, symbol, or motif. Description lacks significance to story. | Example does not fit the identified theme, symbol, or motif. Descriptions is unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cell clearly shows connection with the theme, symbol, or motif and helps with understanding. | Storyboard cell shows the theme, symbol, or motif, but some part is difficult to understand. | Storyboard cell does not help in understanding the theme, symbol, or motif. |
Activity Overview
Symbols come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a symbol or motif from the novel and design an image or scene as illustration. Below the square, they should explain their scene’s significance. The example storyboard discusses the symbolism behind Catherine’s caged birds. Other symbols and motifs include the following:
Symbols
- Catherine’s Journal
- Embroidery
- Granny’s Cottage
- The Bird Pin from Stephen
Motifs
- Saints and Religion
- Writing and Drawing
Catherine, Called Birdy Symbol Square
The Caged Birds
The caged birds in Catherine's room represent Catherine herself. Catherine's nickname "Birdy" or "Little Bird" emphasizes this connection. Like the birds, Catherine feels trapped, unable to escape the life that is forced upon her. At the end of the book, Birdy frees all her birds except the popinjay which cannot survive on its own. She recognizes that she is most like the popinjay; she needs her friends and family to survive and cannot simply run away from her life.
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 one symbol from the text.
- Type in the symbol in the title box.
- Illustrate an example of the symbol.
- In the description box, describe the importance of the symbol.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme, Symbol, or Motif | The idea or object is correctly identified as an important theme, symbol, or motif in the story. | The idea or object is correctly identified as important, but is mislabeled as theme, symbol, or motif. | The idea or object is not significant to the story. |
| Example and Description | The example supports the identified theme, symbol, or motif. Description clearly says why example is significant. | Most examples fit the identified theme, symbol, or motif. Description lacks significance to story. | Example does not fit the identified theme, symbol, or motif. Descriptions is unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cell clearly shows connection with the theme, symbol, or motif and helps with understanding. | Storyboard cell shows the theme, symbol, or motif, but some part is difficult to understand. | Storyboard cell does not help in understanding the theme, symbol, or motif. |
How Tos about Catherine, Called Birdy Symbol Square
Organize a classroom discussion about symbolism in literature
Engage students by leading a group talk about how symbols are used in stories to convey deeper meaning. Ask students to share examples of symbols from other books or movies to connect their prior knowledge. This helps build a strong foundation before analyzing symbols in Catherine, Called Birdy.
Guide students to brainstorm new symbols from the novel
Encourage students to think beyond the listed examples and identify additional objects, characters, or events in the novel that could serve as symbols. This promotes critical thinking and allows students to find their own meaningful connections within the story.
Model how to analyze a symbol using think-alouds
Demonstrate the process of analyzing a symbol by thinking aloud as you break down its meaning, relevance, and impact in the novel. Use one of the lesser-known symbols and explain your reasoning step by step, showing students how to connect textual evidence to their interpretations.
Facilitate peer feedback on students’ symbol storyboard squares
Have students share their completed storyboard squares with a partner or small group. Guide them to provide constructive feedback by focusing on clarity, creativity, and the depth of explanation. This peer review process helps students refine their work and deepen their understanding of symbolism.
Connect symbolism in the novel to students’ own lives
Invite students to reflect on objects or experiences in their own lives that hold symbolic meaning. Encourage them to draw parallels between these personal symbols and those found in Catherine, Called Birdy. This makes the concept of symbolism more relatable and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catherine, Called Birdy Symbol Square
What is a symbol square in 'Catherine, Called Birdy'?
A symbol square in 'Catherine, Called Birdy' is a visual activity where students choose a symbol or motif from the novel, illustrate it in a storyboard, and write a brief explanation about its significance below the image. This helps deepen understanding of key themes and symbols in the story.
How do I create a symbol square for a novel?
To create a symbol square, select a meaningful symbol from the novel, illustrate it in a storyboard box, and then write a short description explaining its importance to the story and characters. This activity encourages creative thinking and analysis of literary symbols.
What are some examples of symbols in 'Catherine, Called Birdy'?
Examples of symbols in 'Catherine, Called Birdy' include the caged birds (representing Catherine's feelings of being trapped), her journal, embroidery, Granny’s cottage, and the bird pin from Stephen. Each symbol reflects different aspects of Catherine's life and growth.
Why do the caged birds symbolize Catherine in the story?
The caged birds symbolize Catherine because, like them, she feels confined by the expectations and restrictions of her medieval life. Her nickname 'Birdy' reinforces this connection, showing her longing for freedom and self-determination.
What is the purpose of using storyboards for teaching symbolism?
Using storyboards helps students visually connect with symbols and motifs in literature. It allows them to creatively express understanding, making abstract concepts more concrete and engaging, especially for visual learners.
More Storyboard That Activities
Catherine, Called Birdy
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