Session 10 Writer’s Workshop The Power of Symoblism

Connection There is one craft move every writer should be on the lookout for! Symbolism!!!

Today I am going to teach you that... Literary essayists look out for craft moves that pull their own weight--in particular, symbolism. Looking for symbols, and writing long about them can help you write more powerful essays.

Teaching Good news! You know how to do this already! Step 1: Skim the text to look for symbolism Let’s skim my text now. What comes up a lot?

Watch me write! Teaching Step 2: Write a little about what the symbol might actually symbolize. Questions: What might it actually mean? What effect does the symbol have on the story? How does it appear across the text? Is the symbol changing at all? Does it relate to the theme from the story? Watch me write!

Watch me write! Teaching Step 3: Push myself to show really deep critical thinking! Go beyond saying just what the symbol means. Also describe what “job” the symbol does in the text. What is the author trying to do by including this symbol? What is he/she trying to convey? Watch me write!

Active Engagement You try! Pick another symbol from “All Summer in a Day” Follow Steps 1, 2, & 3 to think and write a little! Be sure to write about not just what the symbol means but also, what job does it do? What is the author trying to achieve by PUtting it in?

What step are we on?

Extra help Refer to this sample if it helps!

Share Turn & talk: What do you see in my possible claims? Claims! We need to start thinking about some possible claims for your writing. Look at mine! In “All Summer in a Day,” Ray Bradbury uses the sun to symbolize hope. In “All Summer in a Day,” Ray Bradbury uses symbolism, repetition, and descriptive language to show the children’s need for freedom.

What step are we on?

Goal: one page about symbolism Go, writers! Goal: one page about symbolism Skim the text to look for symbolism Write a little about what the symbol means & answer some questions from slide 5. Push yourself to show really deep critical thinking! Go beyond saying just what the symbol means. Describe what is the author trying to do or convey by including this symbol again and again. At least 25 minutes of writing time

Be sure you return with more about symbolism & at least 2 claim ideas! Homework: Write one page total about symbolism using “All Summer in a Day” or “A Sound of Thunder”. Write some possible claims