Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols and motifs present throughout the novel Milkweed. Students can explore themes, symbols, and motifs in a novel by identifying a few and creating images and captions depicting examples from the text. Students can explore this by identifying a theme, symbol, or motif themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text. Teachers may assign themes and symbols for students to look for or allow students to select their own.
Examples of Themes in Milkweed
- The Holocaust
- Friendship
- Identity
- Courage
- Family
- Prejudice and Dehumanization
- Kindness
- Hope
- Survival
- The triumph of the human spirit
Examples of Symbols and Motifs in Milkweed
- Milkweed
- Janina's shoes
- The stone angel
- The carousel
- Food
- The missing cow in the Ghetto
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 Milkweed. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols or motifs from Milkweed 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 Milkweed. Students can explore themes, symbols, and motifs in a novel by identifying a few and creating images and captions depicting examples from the text. Students can explore this by identifying a theme, symbol, or motif themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text. Teachers may assign themes and symbols for students to look for or allow students to select their own.
Examples of Themes in Milkweed
- The Holocaust
- Friendship
- Identity
- Courage
- Family
- Prejudice and Dehumanization
- Kindness
- Hope
- Survival
- The triumph of the human spirit
Examples of Symbols and Motifs in Milkweed
- Milkweed
- Janina's shoes
- The stone angel
- The carousel
- Food
- The missing cow in the Ghetto
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 Milkweed. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols or motifs from Milkweed 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 Milkweed
Organize a collaborative class discussion about themes and symbols
Invite students to share the themes, symbols, or motifs they found by forming small groups or a whole-class circle. Encourage participation and respectful listening so everyone feels included and valued.
Model how to connect symbols to specific passages
Select one symbol or motif from the novel and read a short passage aloud. Demonstrate how that symbol appears and explain its meaning to help students see connections between text and symbolism.
Guide students in creating anchor charts for recurring motifs
Ask students to help build a visual anchor chart on the board or chart paper. List key motifs and add student examples, including images or quotes. Display the chart for ongoing reference.
Encourage peer feedback on storyboard drafts
Pair students to review each other's storyboards. Prompt them to share positive feedback and suggest at least one improvement for clarity or detail. This fosters collaboration and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Milkweed
What are the main themes in Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli?
Milkweed explores powerful themes such as the Holocaust, friendship, identity, courage, family, prejudice and dehumanization, kindness, hope, survival, and the triumph of the human spirit. These themes help students understand both historical events and personal growth within the novel.
How can teachers help students identify symbols and motifs in Milkweed?
Teachers can assign specific symbols or motifs for students to track or allow them to choose their own. Activities like the envelope activity or creating storyboards encourage students to find and illustrate recurring elements from the novel.
What is an example of a storyboard lesson for themes and symbols in Milkweed?
A storyboard lesson involves students identifying a theme, symbol, or motif from Milkweed, illustrating scenes that represent it, and writing brief descriptions for each example. This helps deepen comprehension and connect visuals to textual evidence.
Why are themes, symbols, and motifs important when teaching Milkweed?
Themes, symbols, and motifs provide frameworks for students to analyze literary works. In Milkweed, they help students uncover deeper meanings, understand character motivations, and connect historical context to the narrative.
What are some effective activities for teaching motifs in Milkweed to middle school students?
Effective activities include tracking motifs throughout reading, storyboard projects, group discussions, and creative assignments where students illustrate and describe recurring elements. These tasks foster engagement and critical thinking.
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