“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/one-crazy-summer-by-rita-williams-garcia/symbolism
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
One Crazy Summer is filled with symbolism, which is helpful for students to analyze to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. The symbols in this book will come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify and explain symbols from the novel, supporting their choices with details from the text.
Examples of Symbols in One Crazy Summer
- Miss Patty Cake
- Delphine's Timex Watch
- Turbulence and Cassius Clay Clouds
- Nzila's Kitchen
- Nzila's name and printing press letters for her name
- Fern's name
- Hirohito's Go Kart
- Mean Lady Ming's
- The People's Center
- Postcards
- Dry Your Eyes by Brenda and the Tabulations
Template and Class Instructions
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 symbols found in One Crazy Summer. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the symbols from One Crazy Summer 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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Symbolism
Create a storyboard that identifies symbolism in the story. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description that explains the example's significance.
| 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
One Crazy Summer is filled with symbolism, which is helpful for students to analyze to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. The symbols in this book will come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify and explain symbols from the novel, supporting their choices with details from the text.
Examples of Symbols in One Crazy Summer
- Miss Patty Cake
- Delphine's Timex Watch
- Turbulence and Cassius Clay Clouds
- Nzila's Kitchen
- Nzila's name and printing press letters for her name
- Fern's name
- Hirohito's Go Kart
- Mean Lady Ming's
- The People's Center
- Postcards
- Dry Your Eyes by Brenda and the Tabulations
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 symbols found in One Crazy Summer. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the symbols from One Crazy Summer 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.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Symbolism
Create a storyboard that identifies symbolism in the story. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description that explains the example's significance.
| 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 Symbolism in One Crazy Summer
1
Organize a class discussion on symbolism using student storyboards
Foster deeper understanding by inviting students to share and explain their storyboard choices in a class discussion. This approach encourages active listening and helps students see multiple perspectives on the novel's symbols.
2
Prepare guiding questions to prompt critical thinking about symbols
Develop open-ended questions like “Why do you think the author used this object as a symbol?” or “How does this symbol connect to the characters’ growth?” These prompts help students go beyond surface-level observations and analyze the author’s intent.
3
Assign students to small groups to compare symbol interpretations
Divide students into groups and have them share their storyboard symbols and explanations. Group work allows for collaborative learning, challenges assumptions, and builds communication skills.
4
Encourage students to connect symbols to their own lives
Invite students to relate at least one symbol from the novel to something in their lives or communities. This personal connection makes symbolism more relevant and memorable.
5
Wrap up with a reflective writing activity on symbolism
Ask students to write a brief reflection about how understanding symbolism changed their view of the story or characters. This step reinforces learning and helps assess comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about Symbolism in One Crazy Summer
What are the main symbols in One Crazy Summer?
One Crazy Summer features several important symbols, including Miss Patty Cake, Delphine's Timex watch, turbulence and Cassius Clay clouds, Nzila's kitchen, Fern's name, Hirohito's go-kart, and The People's Center. Each symbol represents deeper themes about family, identity, and growth.
How can I teach symbolism in One Crazy Summer to middle school students?
Teaching symbolism in One Crazy Summer is effective with a storyboard activity. Have students identify key symbols from the novel, illustrate each one, and write a short description explaining its meaning. This approach helps students connect symbols with character development and plot.
Why is Miss Patty Cake significant in One Crazy Summer?
Miss Patty Cake symbolizes Fern's innocence and her connection to childhood. Throughout the story, the doll represents comfort and security for Fern, and changes in her attachment to it reflect her growth and resilience.
What is the objective of a symbolism storyboard activity for One Crazy Summer?
The objective of a symbolism storyboard activity is to help students identify recurring symbols in One Crazy Summer, illustrate them, and explain their significance. This deepens comprehension and analytical skills by connecting symbols to the novel's themes and characters.
Can you give examples of how to illustrate symbols from One Crazy Summer?
To illustrate symbols, students might draw Miss Patty Cake being held by Fern, Delphine checking her watch, or the People's Center as a gathering place. Adding text boxes with descriptions helps clarify the meaning of each symbol within the story's context.
More Storyboard That Activities
One Crazy Summer
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/one-crazy-summer-by-rita-williams-garcia/symbolism
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
