Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols and motifs present throughout the novel Sylvia & Aki. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs 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!
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Sylvia & Aki
- World War II
- Japanese American Incarceration
- Racism
- Segregation
- Activism
- Hands
- Fences
- "Only what you can carry"
- "I don't want trouble"
- Justice
- Displacement
- Friendship
- Family
- Systemic racism
- Government sanctioned injustice
- Community
- Sacrifice
- Dolls
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 Sylvia & Aki. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Sylvia & Aki 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 Sylvia & Aki. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs 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!
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Sylvia & Aki
- World War II
- Japanese American Incarceration
- Racism
- Segregation
- Activism
- Hands
- Fences
- "Only what you can carry"
- "I don't want trouble"
- Justice
- Displacement
- Friendship
- Family
- Systemic racism
- Government sanctioned injustice
- Community
- Sacrifice
- Dolls
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 Sylvia & Aki. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Sylvia & Aki 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 Sylvia & Aki Themes, Symbols, & Motifs
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Themes and Symbols
Encourage participation by inviting students to share their ideas about key themes and symbols in Sylvia & Aki. Use open-ended questions to help everyone contribute and build confidence.
Set clear expectations for respectful dialogue
Establish ground rules for discussions to create a safe environment where all students feel comfortable sharing. Remind students to listen actively and respect differing viewpoints.
Use guiding questions to spark deeper thinking
Prepare thought-provoking prompts like “Why do you think the author chose this symbol?” or “How do these themes connect to our world today?” to inspire meaningful conversation.
Connect student responses to the text
Encourage students to reference specific passages or scenes when sharing their thoughts. This practice builds text evidence skills and keeps discussions grounded in the novel.
Summarize and celebrate key insights
Wrap up the discussion by highlighting important points students made about themes and symbols. Acknowledge insightful contributions and thank everyone for participating.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylvia & Aki Themes, Symbols, & Motifs
What are the main themes in Sylvia & Aki?
Sylvia & Aki explores powerful themes such as racism, segregation, friendship, displacement, justice, family, and activism. The novel highlights the experiences of two girls during World War II and addresses government-sanctioned injustice and the importance of community and sacrifice.
How can I teach themes, symbols, and motifs using Sylvia & Aki in my classroom?
To teach themes, symbols, and motifs with Sylvia & Aki, have students identify recurring ideas or symbols in the text, such as hands, fences, dolls, and phrases like "Only what you can carry." Encourage students to illustrate examples and write descriptions, or use an “envelope activity” to track elements throughout reading.
What symbols and motifs are important in Sylvia & Aki?
Key symbols and motifs in Sylvia & Aki include hands, fences, dolls, and repeated phrases like "Only what you can carry" and "I don't want trouble." These represent the characters' struggles with injustice, separation, and resilience during a time of systemic racism and displacement.
What is an envelope activity for identifying literary elements?
An envelope activity is a hands-on lesson where students receive envelopes with themes, symbols, or motifs to track as they read. This helps them focus on literary elements, fosters discussion, and deepens understanding by having each student or group illustrate and describe their findings.
What is a spider map and how does it help students analyze Sylvia & Aki?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually connect examples of themes, symbols, and motifs from Sylvia & Aki. By mapping ideas and adding brief descriptions, students organize their thoughts and deepen their analysis of the novel’s recurring elements.
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