Readers pay attention to symbols in their books

Writers often use an object in a story to stand for an idea (something that we can’t touch or see).

Symbols are objects that you read about that stand for something else. A flag is a symbol for a patriotism or country.

An owl is a symbol for wisdom.

A dove symbolizes peace.

Think about Linus. He always carries a blanket. This blanket is a symbol.

Think about Linus. He carries it with him and it makes him feel safe. The blanket is a symbol for safety. BLANKET=SAFETY

This is President Obama. What do you think can be a symbol in this photo?

On an interview, Myrlie Evers, Medgar Evers’ wife, said that she thought of the basketball as a symbol of the world. "I saw a photograph of Obama playing basketball. This man's feet were off of the floor, he was reaching for that ball, had it in the grasp of his hands and I said, 'You know what? I see him as a leader, and that's the world that's in his hands...”

Think about the honey in Thank You, Mr. Falker The grandpa held the jar of hone so that all the family could see, then dipped a ladle into it and drizzled honey on the cover of a small book. The little girl had just turned five. “Stand up little one,” he cooed. “I did this for your mother, your uncles, your older brother, and now you!” Then he handed the book to her. “Taste!’ She dipped her finger into the honey and put it into her mouth. “What is the taste?” the grandma asked. The little girl answered, “Sweet!” Then all of the family said in a single voice, “Yes, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is like the bee that made that sweet honey, you have to chase it through the pages of a book!” The little girl knew that the promise to read was at last hers. Soon she was going to learn to read. -From Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

The honey was a symbol for knowledge.

Look for symbols! While your reading, look for symbols (things, actions, people) that stand for something we can’t touch or see. Be prepared to share at the end of Reader’s Workshop today.