Symbol and Motif Log: The Stopped Clock

SubstitutePlans.com
English Language Arts · English 9-12
SP-ELA912-023 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 2
Symbol and Motif Log: The Stopped Clock
English Language Arts · English 9-12 · Grades 10-12 · 50 minutes
Time needed
50 minutes (one class period)
Prep
Copy the 2-page worksheet (one per student). Write the words SYMBOL, MOTIF and THEME on
the board.
Technology
None.
Student
independence
High. Students work alone with a short partner discussion.
Copies to make
One 2-page worksheet per student
Materials
Pencils, Worksheet, Whiteboard or chalkboard
Goal for today: Students will distinguish a symbol from a motif, log repeated images in a short story, and explain
what each might suggest using evidence.
Before the bell
☐ Copy the worksheet, one per student (2 pages).
☐ Write on the board: SYMBOL = an object or image that stands for a bigger idea. MOTIF = an image, sound or
idea that repeats. THEME = the message about life.
☐ Keep the answer key on your desk. Several answers are interpretations, so the key explains what to accept.
Say this to start
Good morning! Today is about the hidden meaning that writers put into objects. A symbol is an object that stands for
something bigger, and a motif is something that keeps coming back in a story. You will read a short story, log the
images that repeat, and explain what they might mean. There are no trick answers, but you do need evidence from the
story.
Run of show
Minutes
What you do
What students do
0–5
Take attendance. Hand out the worksheet.
Settle in and read the directions.
5–10
Read the three definitions on the board aloud. Ask: “What
might a dove symbolize? What might a red stop sign
mean?” Take two or three quick answers.
Listen and offer ideas.
10–18
Tell students to complete the word bank questions (1 and
2), then read the story silently.
Answer 1–2, then read the story and
underline images that repeat or stand out.
18–32
Tell students to answer questions 3–5 and then complete
the Motif Log table.
Answer 3–5 and fill in the log.
32–44
Tell students to answer questions 6, 7 and 8.
Write about Mara’s choices and invent a
symbol.
44–50
Invite two or three volunteers to share their invented
symbol from question 8. Then collect all worksheets.
Share and hand in the worksheet.

SubstitutePlans.com
English Language Arts · English 9-12
SP-ELA912-023 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 3
If things go wrong
• If students say the clock is “just a clock,” ask, “Why would the author tell us what time it shows and for how
long?”
• If a student writes a symbol meaning with no evidence, ask them to point to the sentence that made them
think it.
• If students finish early, use the early finisher ideas. Do not give answers away; the key is for you only.
Early finishers
• Rewrite the last paragraph of the story using a different object in place of the windows.
• List three everyday objects that could be symbols in a story about starting over.
Support and challenge
• Support: Students may complete the Motif Log using phrases from the story instead of full sentences.
• Challenge: Ask students to explain how the symbol and the motif work together to support one theme.
Notes for the teacher (you fill this in)
Jot a few lines before you leave. A full Daily Sub Report is in the free Sub Survival Kit at SubstitutePlans.com.
How far the class got / what to pick up next:
Students who were especially helpful:
Anything the teacher should know: