Activity Overview
Novels often have a variety of themes, symbols, and motifs throughout that students can identify and analyze. All of these literary elements can be conveyed through characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs in Echo 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! Teachers may ask students to illustrate multiple examples of a single theme, symbol, or motif, or illustrate one example for each.
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Echo
- The power of music
- The Harmonica
- “Braham's Lullaby"
- "America the Beautiful"
- "Auld Lang Syne"
- Music
- Names - 1, 2, and 3/ Eins, Zwei, and Drei
- Journeys
- Freedom
- Family
- Carnegie Hall
- "The Thirteenth Harmonica of Otto Messenger"
- New Beginnings
- Bigotry
- Perseverance
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 the story. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from the story that 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
Novels often have a variety of themes, symbols, and motifs throughout that students can identify and analyze. All of these literary elements can be conveyed through characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs in Echo 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! Teachers may ask students to illustrate multiple examples of a single theme, symbol, or motif, or illustrate one example for each.
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Echo
- The power of music
- The Harmonica
- “Braham's Lullaby"
- "America the Beautiful"
- "Auld Lang Syne"
- Music
- Names - 1, 2, and 3/ Eins, Zwei, and Drei
- Journeys
- Freedom
- Family
- Carnegie Hall
- "The Thirteenth Harmonica of Otto Messenger"
- New Beginnings
- Bigotry
- Perseverance
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 the story. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from the story that 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, & Motifs in Echo
Organize a student-led discussion about themes and symbols
Encourage student ownership by assigning groups to lead a class conversation. Give each group a theme, symbol, or motif from Echo, and have them prepare questions and examples to discuss with their peers. This deepens understanding and builds confidence in literary analysis.
Set clear goals for your discussion session
Decide whether you want students to explore new meanings, share personal connections, or practice using evidence from the text. Clarifying your objectives helps keep the discussion focused and productive.
Prepare guiding questions in advance
Write open-ended questions that prompt students to think critically about the theme or symbol. Questions like, "How does music influence the characters?" or "What does the harmonica represent?" help spark meaningful conversation.
Provide sentence starters for hesitant students
Offer sentence frames such as, "I noticed that..." or "This symbol reminds me of..." to support students who may be shy or unsure. Accessible scaffolds help everyone participate.
Wrap up with a quick reflection activity
Ask students to write or share one new idea they gained from the discussion. This reinforces active listening and helps you assess their understanding of key literary elements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes, Symbols, & Motifs in Echo
What are the main themes, symbols, and motifs in Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan?
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan features key themes like the power of music, perseverance, freedom, family, and journeys. Important symbols include the harmonica and Carnegie Hall, while motifs such as specific songs (e.g., "Brahms' Lullaby") and names recur throughout the story to deepen its meaning.
How can I teach students to identify themes, symbols, and motifs in Echo?
To teach students to identify themes, symbols, and motifs in Echo, guide them to pay attention to repeated ideas, objects, or messages in the text. Use activities like spider maps, group discussions, and envelope activities to help students track and illustrate these elements as they read.
What is a good classroom activity for exploring motifs in Echo?
A great classroom activity is the envelope activity, where students are assigned motifs or symbols to track during reading. They then create a storyboard or spider map to illustrate their findings and write brief descriptions, fostering deeper analysis and engagement.
Why is the harmonica a significant symbol in Echo?
The harmonica in Echo is a powerful symbol representing hope, connection, and the transformative power of music. It links the different characters' stories and highlights how music can inspire resilience and unity even in challenging times.
What are some example motifs and their meanings in Echo?
Common motifs in Echo include repeated songs like "America the Beautiful" and the journey motif, both of which symbolize hope, new beginnings, and the characters' personal growth. Tracking these motifs helps students understand the novel's deeper messages.
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