![Winter Holiday Classroom Activities - The Story of [Insert Holiday Here]](http://cdn2.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/5496923/cell-col-2-row-1-w400.png "Winter Holiday Classroom Activities - The Story of [Insert Holiday Here]")
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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/winter-holiday-classroom-activities/symbols
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Objects come to symbolize different things in various contexts, and understanding symbolism is vital to a greater appreciation of literature and culture. Many students can recognize that something is associated with Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hannukah, but they may not understand why. This activity can give students a good foundation on symbols and symbolism, or it can be used as a focus on winter holidays. Give students a list of symbols for all holidays, or let them select symbols on their own.
The example uses the grid layout, but the spider map, traditional storyboard, and T-chart would work as well. Students should name the symbol in the title box, make a visual representation in the storyboard cell, and then explain what the symbol represents in the description box; or, as in the example, name and depict the symbol, then make visualizations!
There are many symbols for Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa! Here are only a handful:
| Christmas | Kwanzaa | Hannukah |
| Santa Claus | Kinara | Menorah |
| Christmas Tree | Unity Cup | Dreidel |
| Red/green/white | Red/green/black | Blue/white |
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.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the symbols in left column headings./li>
- Write "Meaning" and "Example" in other column headings.
- Create visual representations of each symbol, meaning, and example using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Holiday Symbols
Create a storyboard that identifies important symbols. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description that explains the significance.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Symbols | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. | Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Examples are accurate to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the symbols and highlight their significance. | Examples are accurate to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the symbols, and highlight their significance. | Examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for symbols are accurate and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for symbols are mostly accurate. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for symbols are inaccurate. 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. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Objects come to symbolize different things in various contexts, and understanding symbolism is vital to a greater appreciation of literature and culture. Many students can recognize that something is associated with Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hannukah, but they may not understand why. This activity can give students a good foundation on symbols and symbolism, or it can be used as a focus on winter holidays. Give students a list of symbols for all holidays, or let them select symbols on their own.
The example uses the grid layout, but the spider map, traditional storyboard, and T-chart would work as well. Students should name the symbol in the title box, make a visual representation in the storyboard cell, and then explain what the symbol represents in the description box; or, as in the example, name and depict the symbol, then make visualizations!
There are many symbols for Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa! Here are only a handful:
| Christmas | Kwanzaa | Hannukah |
| Santa Claus | Kinara | Menorah |
| Christmas Tree | Unity Cup | Dreidel |
| Red/green/white | Red/green/black | Blue/white |
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".
- Write the symbols in left column headings./li>
- Write "Meaning" and "Example" in other column headings.
- Create visual representations of each symbol, meaning, and example using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Holiday Symbols
Create a storyboard that identifies important symbols. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description that explains the significance.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Symbols | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. | Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Examples are accurate to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the symbols and highlight their significance. | Examples are accurate to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the symbols, and highlight their significance. | Examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the symbols that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for symbols are accurate and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for symbols are mostly accurate. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for symbols are inaccurate. 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. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How Tos about Winter Holiday Symbols
1
Set clear objectives for your symbol exploration lesson
Clarify what you want students to learn about holiday symbols and symbolism. Having specific learning goals helps guide your planning and keeps students focused during activities.
2
Choose a variety of culturally diverse holiday symbols
Select symbols from multiple winter holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Including diverse symbols encourages inclusivity and broadens student understanding of different cultures.
3
Prepare visual aids and real-life examples
Gather pictures, physical items, or videos representing each symbol. Visual resources make abstract ideas more concrete and help students connect symbols to real-world contexts.
4
Facilitate a class discussion on what symbols mean
Invite students to share their thoughts on the meanings behind each symbol. Open discussions build critical thinking and allow students to connect personal experiences to cultural symbols.
5
Incorporate a creative activity for students to design their own holiday symbol
Encourage students to invent and explain a unique symbol representing a winter holiday or personal tradition. Creative expression reinforces understanding of symbolism and lets students personalize their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Holiday Symbols
What are common symbols for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah?
Christmas symbols include Santa Claus and the Christmas tree. Kwanzaa features the kinara (candle holder), unity cup, and red/green/black colors. Hanukkah symbols are the menorah, dreidel, and blue/white colors.
How can I teach students about winter holiday symbols in an engaging way?
Use activities like grid layouts, spider maps, or storyboards to help students name, draw, and explain each symbol. Letting students choose their own symbols or providing a list encourages participation and creativity.
Why is understanding symbolism important for students?
Understanding symbolism helps students appreciate literature and culture by revealing deeper meanings behind objects and traditions. It fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness.
What’s the best way to help students visualize holiday symbols?
Have students create visual representations of each symbol using drawings, storyboards, or digital tools. Pair visuals with explanations for deeper understanding and retention.
How do I structure a classroom activity on winter holiday symbols?
Start by listing symbols, then set up a grid with columns for Symbol, Meaning, and Example. Guide students to fill in each section with images and explanations.
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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/winter-holiday-classroom-activities/symbols
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
