Materials: Symbol chart, sticky notes, pencils
Explain that symbols are objects, images or details that represent bigger ideas. As students read, ask them to watch for repeated or meaningful images, including olive trees, olives, family harvest, written names, hands, feet, stars and constellations.
Create a three-column chart with three headers: “Symbol,” “What We See” and “What It Might Mean.” Guide students to interpret olive trees as family, land, nourishment and cultural memory; written names as identity and visibility; and stars or constellations as permanence, dignity and remembrance.
Discussion Questions:
- Why might olive trees matter in this story?
- Why does the ending compare names to stars?
- How do illustrations help us understand ideas the text does not explain directly?
Extension: Students choose one symbol and draw it with a short explanation.
Student Product: Symbol Explanation Card