Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
Themes to Look For and Discuss
Independence and Self-Determination
This theme is conveyed through Kit as well as the colonists in general. Kit stands out from the others because of her independent spirit. She traveled alone all the way from Barbados, and acts according to her own judgment rather than the dictates of her society. The Connecticut colonists value independence too. They object to control by a British governor and hide their original charter in a tree to preserve their right to self-determination in the future.
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Many of the villagers judge others quickly based on superficial qualities. Both Hannah Tupper and Kit are labeled as witches because of how they appear or how they act. In reality, however, Hannah and Kit are some of the kindest people in the colony. The judgments the colonists make based on appearance are not accurate.
Motifs & Symbols to Look For and Discuss
Books and Reading
Books play a positive role in Kit's life. In Barbados, Kit found joy and adventure reading poetry and plays with her grandfather. Even in Wethersfield, where the Puritans disapprove of secular texts, Kit's favorite activity is listening to John Holbrook read the Bible. Reading is also the key to Prudence's friendship with Kit and her newfound confidence.
The Meadows
The meadows symbolize peace for Kit. The waving grass reminds her of the billowing waves surrounding her home in Barbados. Kit comes to the meadows when she is worried or upset, and the meadows bring her a sense of calm.
William’s House
William's house is a symbol of marriage. The new home will be the first place he and his wife will live together. He begins building his house only after he has decided upon marrying Kit. The timeline of his courtship with Kit is determined by the building process. As his house nears completion, Kit knows she must make up her mind about William.
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
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The Witch of Blackbird Pond you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
Themes to Look For and Discuss
Independence and Self-Determination
This theme is conveyed through Kit as well as the colonists in general. Kit stands out from the others because of her independent spirit. She traveled alone all the way from Barbados, and acts according to her own judgment rather than the dictates of her society. The Connecticut colonists value independence too. They object to control by a British governor and hide their original charter in a tree to preserve their right to self-determination in the future.
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Many of the villagers judge others quickly based on superficial qualities. Both Hannah Tupper and Kit are labeled as witches because of how they appear or how they act. In reality, however, Hannah and Kit are some of the kindest people in the colony. The judgments the colonists make based on appearance are not accurate.
Motifs & Symbols to Look For and Discuss
Books and Reading
Books play a positive role in Kit's life. In Barbados, Kit found joy and adventure reading poetry and plays with her grandfather. Even in Wethersfield, where the Puritans disapprove of secular texts, Kit's favorite activity is listening to John Holbrook read the Bible. Reading is also the key to Prudence's friendship with Kit and her newfound confidence.
The Meadows
The meadows symbolize peace for Kit. The waving grass reminds her of the billowing waves surrounding her home in Barbados. Kit comes to the meadows when she is worried or upset, and the meadows bring her a sense of calm.
William’s House
William's house is a symbol of marriage. The new home will be the first place he and his wife will live together. He begins building his house only after he has decided upon marrying Kit. The timeline of his courtship with Kit is determined by the building process. As his house nears completion, Kit knows she must make up her mind about William.
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
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The Witch of Blackbird Pond you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How Tos about The Witch of Blackbird Pond Themes, Symbols and Motifs
Incorporate creative writing prompts linked to themes and symbols
Engage students by connecting story themes and symbols to their own lives through writing. This helps deepen understanding and makes abstract ideas more relatable.
Choose a theme or symbol from the novel
Select a prominent theme (like Independence) or symbol (such as The Meadows) from the story. Focusing on one keeps the activity simple and meaningful.
Create a thought-provoking writing prompt
Write a prompt that asks students to connect the chosen theme or symbol to their own experiences. For example: 'Describe a place that gives you peace, just like the meadows do for Kit.'
Model a response as a class
Share a sample answer or brainstorm ideas together. Demonstrate how to reflect on personal experiences and tie them to the story’s ideas.
Have students write and share their responses
Allow students to write individually, then share with a partner or small group. Encourage discussion to build connections and deepen comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Witch of Blackbird Pond Themes, Symbols and Motifs
What are the main themes in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
The Witch of Blackbird Pond explores major themes such as independence and self-determination, and the idea that appearances can be deceiving. The story highlights Kit's individual spirit, the colonists' desire for freedom, and how quick judgments based on looks can be misleading.
How can I teach the symbols and motifs in The Witch of Blackbird Pond to middle school students?
Use storyboards to help students visually identify and explain recurring symbols and motifs like books, the meadows, and William’s house. Ask students to illustrate examples and write brief descriptions to connect these symbols to the story's themes.
Why is independence important in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
Independence is central because both Kit and the Connecticut colonists value making their own choices. Kit acts based on her beliefs despite social pressure, while the colonists hide their charter to resist British control, emphasizing the importance of self-determination.
What do the meadows symbolize in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
The meadows symbolize peace and comfort for Kit. They remind her of her home in Barbados and offer a calming refuge whenever she feels worried or upset.
What is an easy classroom activity for exploring themes in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
Have students create a storyboard that shows examples of different themes from the novel. They can draw scenes and add short descriptions to explain how each scene connects to the theme.
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