Symbolic Borders are a quick yet efficient way to check students'
comprehension of text. They are particularly effective for students who
have difficulties expressing themselves verbally. Moreover, students
view them as an art form rather than an assignment. Thus, to them, this
is a fun activity, not work. I use Symbolic Borders with my fifth and
sixth-graders for reading assignments and with my eighth-graders for
science assignments. They work especially well with vocabulary/thematic
spelling assignments or on tests/quizzes. They can be utilized with
almost any subject and at any grade level.
Directions:
A.Develop the concept of "symbol" with your students.
Step B is optional. I use it only for beginners, omitting it after the
students demonstrate proficiency.
B.Using a ruler and pencil, lightly draw a one inch border around the
four sides of an assignment paper. Looseleaf notebook paper does not
work well, since it has holes on one side.
C.Define a specific skill on which your students will focus. For
instance, have your students identify the setting of a selection, or
explain the theme of a story, or define the laws of motion.
D.Have the students select two to four symbols that represent the focus.
No words or human faces are permitted.
E.Have the students draw the symbols in a repeating pattern in the
border on their paper.
F.Finally, have them color the symbols.
To reinforce the fact that symbols represent ideas and ideas are most
commonly expressed with words, I have students who are verbally
challenged orally explain their symbols, while those who are able
explain their symbols by writing a paragraph.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
