Activity Overview
Moon Over Manifest contains a number of symbols - some which Abilene must work out and others that the reader must interpret. Students will enjoy identifying symbols by using a storyboard to depict them and explain their significance. For a quick assignment, have students identify a single symbol and explain what it represents. For a more in-depth activity, ask students to present multiple symbols or motifs with their storyboards. The example storyboard discusses the symbolism behind Gideon’s compass. Other possible symbols and motifs include the following:
Symbols
- The Wiggle King fishing lure
- The silver dollar
- The tiny nesting doll
- The jump rope Shady gives Abilene
- Miss Sadie’s leg wound
- The victory quilt vs. the friendship quilt
- The Manifest town sign
Motifs
Moon Over Manifest Symbol Square
Gideon’s Compass
Gideon's compass is Abilene's most treasured possession. To her, it represents a sense of home and a connection to her father. Even though it's broken, she imagines that its chain stretches all the way from her pocket to Gideon's. To Gideon, the broken compass represents Ned's death and Gideon's own brokenness. When Ned died, Gideon lost direction in life. He left Manifest and had no real home for the next 19 years.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a symbol from the story and write it in the header.
- In the description, explain what the symbol represents. Use details!
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Moon Over Manifest contains a number of symbols - some which Abilene must work out and others that the reader must interpret. Students will enjoy identifying symbols by using a storyboard to depict them and explain their significance. For a quick assignment, have students identify a single symbol and explain what it represents. For a more in-depth activity, ask students to present multiple symbols or motifs with their storyboards. The example storyboard discusses the symbolism behind Gideon’s compass. Other possible symbols and motifs include the following:
Symbols
- The Wiggle King fishing lure
- The silver dollar
- The tiny nesting doll
- The jump rope Shady gives Abilene
- Miss Sadie’s leg wound
- The victory quilt vs. the friendship quilt
- The Manifest town sign
Motifs
Moon Over Manifest Symbol Square
Gideon’s Compass
Gideon's compass is Abilene's most treasured possession. To her, it represents a sense of home and a connection to her father. Even though it's broken, she imagines that its chain stretches all the way from her pocket to Gideon's. To Gideon, the broken compass represents Ned's death and Gideon's own brokenness. When Ned died, Gideon lost direction in life. He left Manifest and had no real home for the next 19 years.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a symbol from the story and write it in the header.
- In the description, explain what the symbol represents. Use details!
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Moon Over Manifest Symbol Square Activity
Incorporate Symbolism Discussions Into Class Debates
Encourage students to explore symbolism through structured class debates. Debates help students articulate their interpretations and learn from others' perspectives.
Assign students to choose a symbol and prepare arguments for its significance
Have each student select a symbol from the novel and build a case for why it is important. This fosters deeper thinking and ownership of ideas.
Organize students into small debate teams
Divide students into groups and assign each team a symbol. This encourages collaboration and a diversity of viewpoints.
Set clear debate rules and time limits
Establish guidelines for respectful discussion and allocate specific time for arguments and rebuttals. Structure ensures every voice is heard.
Reflect on the debate by writing a summary
Ask students to summarize what they learned about symbolism and others’ interpretations. Reflection helps solidify understanding and critical thinking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moon Over Manifest Symbol Square Activity
What is the Symbol Square activity for Moon Over Manifest?
The Symbol Square activity for Moon Over Manifest asks students to identify symbols or motifs in the novel and use a storyboard to illustrate and explain their significance, helping deepen understanding of key themes.
How can I teach symbolism in Moon Over Manifest to middle school students?
To teach symbolism in Moon Over Manifest, have students choose a symbol, research its meaning, and visually represent it using a storyboard. Encourage them to explain how the symbol connects to characters or themes in the story.
What are some important symbols and motifs in Moon Over Manifest?
Important symbols and motifs in Moon Over Manifest include Gideon’s compass, the Wiggle King fishing lure, silver dollar, nesting doll, jump rope, Miss Sadie’s leg wound, and the victory vs. friendship quilts. Key motifs include stories, digging and planting, and healing.
How do students create a storyboard for a symbol in Moon Over Manifest?
Students create a storyboard by selecting a symbol from the novel, describing what it represents, and illustrating it with scenes or characters, then explaining its importance to the storyline or character development.
Why is Gideon's compass significant in Moon Over Manifest?
Gideon's compass symbolizes Abilene’s connection to her father and her sense of home. For Gideon, it represents Ned’s death and his own lost direction, highlighting themes of loss and belonging in the novel.
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