Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols, and motifs present throughout the novel The Wish Giver. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs in The Wish Giver 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 The Wish Giver
- Friendship
- Self Control
- Kindness
- Be Careful What You Wish For
- Con Artists
- "The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence"
- Classism
- Bullfrog
- The Coven Tree
- Water
- Magic
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 The Wish Giver. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from The Wish Giver 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 The Wish Giver. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs in The Wish Giver 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 The Wish Giver
- Friendship
- Self Control
- Kindness
- Be Careful What You Wish For
- Con Artists
- "The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence"
- Classism
- Bullfrog
- The Coven Tree
- Water
- Magic
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 The Wish Giver. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from The Wish Giver 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 Identifying Themes & Symbols in The Wish Giver
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion About Themes and Symbols
Encourage students to share their ideas about themes and symbols in an open forum. Fostering dialogue helps learners deepen understanding and see multiple perspectives.
Prepare thought-provoking questions ahead of time
Create a list of open-ended questions about key themes and symbols. Well-crafted prompts guide students to think critically and connect ideas from the text to their own experiences.
Set discussion expectations for respectful listening
Remind students to listen actively and let everyone share. Setting ground rules promotes a safe environment where all voices are valued.
Use visual aids to spark conversation
Display student-created spider maps or illustrations as visual anchors. Visuals help make abstract themes and symbols more concrete and inspire richer discussion.
Wrap up by connecting themes to real-life situations
Ask students to relate the story's themes to their own lives or current events. This reflection makes learning meaningful and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Themes & Symbols in The Wish Giver
What are the main themes and symbols in The Wish Giver?
The Wish Giver features recurring themes such as friendship, self-control, kindness, and the idea of being careful what you wish for. Key symbols include the Bullfrog, Coven Tree, and water, each representing deeper meanings within the story.
How can students identify themes, symbols, or motifs in The Wish Giver?
Students can identify themes, symbols, and motifs by tracking recurring ideas or objects as they read. Using activities like a spider map or an envelope activity helps students organize examples and illustrate their findings effectively.
What is a spider map activity for The Wish Giver?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where students place a key theme, symbol, or motif in the center and branch out with examples and illustrations from the book. This visual approach aids comprehension and discussion.
Why is it important to discuss motifs and symbols in The Wish Giver with students?
Discussing motifs and symbols helps students develop critical thinking and literary analysis skills. It encourages them to look beyond the plot and understand deeper meanings within the story.
What are some fun ways to teach themes and symbols in The Wish Giver to grades 4-6?
Fun strategies include storyboarding key moments, using envelope activities to assign motifs to students, and creating group discussions or visual projects like spider maps that make literary analysis interactive and engaging.
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