Activity Overview
A country’s symbols represent its people, history, and culture. Over the years, Canada has formally adopted many symbols. A few examples are the maple leaf, the beaver, the national anthem, the Canadian horse, and the flag. For this activity, students will choose three Canadian symbols and create a spider map describing and illustrating these symbols.
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 spider map illustrating and describing 3 Canadian symbols.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a symbol in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
A country’s symbols represent its people, history, and culture. Over the years, Canada has formally adopted many symbols. A few examples are the maple leaf, the beaver, the national anthem, the Canadian horse, and the flag. For this activity, students will choose three Canadian symbols and create a spider map describing and illustrating these symbols.
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 spider map illustrating and describing 3 Canadian symbols.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a symbol in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Symbols of Canada
Organize a classroom discussion on the meaning of national symbols
Engage your students by facilitating a discussion exploring what national symbols represent and why they matter. Encourage students to share examples from Canada and their own lives to build connections and deepen understanding.
Prepare materials for a hands-on symbols collage activity
Gather magazines, colored paper, glue, scissors, and markers for students to create a collage of Canadian symbols. Hands-on projects help students remember and appreciate cultural symbols in a fun, creative way!
Guide students in researching lesser-known Canadian symbols
Assign or let students choose a lesser-known symbol (like the Canadian horse or lacrosse) to research. This step encourages curiosity and helps students discover the diversity of Canadian heritage.
Facilitate peer sharing and feedback on student projects
Organize a gallery walk or short presentations where students showcase their spider maps or collages. Peer feedback promotes reflection, confidence, and appreciation of classmates' work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Symbols of Canada
What are three important symbols of Canada for students to learn about?
Three important symbols of Canada for students to learn about include the maple leaf, the beaver, and the Canadian flag. These symbols reflect Canada's history, culture, and national identity.
How can I teach Canadian symbols to grade 4 or 5 students in a fun way?
A fun way to teach Canadian symbols to grade 4 or 5 students is by having them create a spider map where they illustrate and describe three symbols, such as the maple leaf, the beaver, and the flag. This activity encourages creativity and helps students understand each symbol’s meaning.
What is a spider map activity for Canadian symbols?
A spider map activity for Canadian symbols asks students to select three symbols, illustrate each one, and write a brief summary describing its significance. The spider map format helps organize their ideas visually for easier understanding.
Why are symbols like the maple leaf and beaver important to Canadian identity?
Symbols like the maple leaf and beaver are important to Canadian identity because they represent the country’s heritage, values, and pride. These symbols are recognized worldwide and help unite Canadians through shared meaning.
What steps should students follow to complete a spider map on Canadian symbols?
Students should: 1) Click “Start Assignment”; 2) Write a different Canadian symbol in each spider map heading; 3) Draw an illustration for each symbol; 4) Write a short summary under each illustration to explain its meaning.
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