Thanksgiving and other holidays are rich with symbols. These
symbols serve as visual, concrete reminders of significant events and ideas.
Some symbols are universal, such as the symbol for disabled, and others have a
very specific meaning for a small group of people. Let’s see what symbols are
all about.
Connect
* Check out the stories behind Thanksgiving symbols at http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/symbols.htm
* Did you know that both Alabama and Massachusettes chose
the wild turkey as their state bird? State symbols reflect cultural heritages
and national treasures. Find out the history of your state’s symbols at http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/.
Compare it with other states’ symbols.
* Colors have connotations, such as red for fire and green
for spring. Some colors have universal meanings, such as yellow for sunshine
-- and they may also have different
meanings in different cultures, such as the U.S. links yellow with cowardice
but China links yellow with royalty. Explore the symbolism of color at http://webdesign.about.com/od/color/a/bl_colorculture.htm
* Animal symbolize many things: courageous lions, wise owls,
busy bees. Just as with colors, animals have different meanings depending on
the culture using them. Incredible @rt Department (http://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/middle/animals.htm)
links to several sites about animal symbols, and includes fun activities to try.
Create
*Try creating a family totem pole (using paper, drawing
materials, or other craft supplies), based on animal symbols: http://www.papertotempoles.com/
* Typography, the study of typefaces, includes understanding
how type convey different meanings. For instance, even the same words NO and no appear to have a different tone. This article (http://nhsdesigns.com/graphic/typography/choosing-font.php)
is written for designers but the images can be understood by youngsters. Can
you make the word “cold” LOOK cold, or the word “fire” LOOK hot? What messages do
these fun fonts (http://www.fontspace.com/category/fun)
convey? Try your hand at creating your own font.
* Star constellations are groups of stars that have been
named based on how they symbolize something or someone. The most famous names
for these constellations come from Greek and Roman myths. Explore some of the
activities from this site: http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Free_Constellation_Activities_for_Children.
You can create your own groupings of stars, and name them – maybe in memory of
your favorite pet.
* Maps are full of symbols: to describe places and land
features. Here are some fun map symbol games: http://www.wartgames.com/themes/geography/mapsymbols.html
Care
* Can flowers talk? People send messages through flowers,
such as red roses for love. Sometimes sending a flower was a way to convey a
secret message. There is long history of the language of flowers, which you can
see at http://www.languageofflowers.com/.
Try drawing a bouquet of flowers to convey a special message to someone you care
about.
* There are hundreds of symbols for caring. Google the word “caring,”
and click on “images.” How are these symbols different and alike? Which symbol
is your favorite? Can you create your own symbol for caring?
* What are other symbols of love: hearts, hugs, kisses,
candy? Another symbol of love is doing something nice for someone. The
Character Development website (http://web.extension.illinois.edu/character/activities.cfm)
has grade-specific activity sheets about caring for others.
* Rebus puzzles use images to represent words. Solve rebus
puzzles and make your own using http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/more/timefiller/rebus.htm.
Perhaps you can make a get well rebus card for a friend.
Careers
* Most careers have symbols that represent them. Even Christmas ornaments can have career symbols: http://www.scrollsawornaments.com/careerssymbols.html
* Most careers have symbols that represent them. Even Christmas ornaments can have career symbols: http://www.scrollsawornaments.com/careerssymbols.html
* Some careers have their own specific set of symbols, such
as welders (http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/welding-symbol-chart.html),
writers (http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-proofreading-symbols.html),
and architects (http://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/cramerton/faculty/kllasky/Scale%20Drawing%20Documents/Architectural%20Symbols%20Packet%20I.pdf).
* If you like symbols, you might want to become an artist, a
mathematician, a film maker, an interior decorator, or even a storyteller. Find out more about
these careers at http://www.arcota.org/arcota.org/Career_Cluster_Activities.html
