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Culture Collage

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Lesson Plan

Culture Collage Blueprint

Students collaboratively create a classroom mural of personal cultural symbols, articulating their family stories and reflecting on diversity through guided discussion and art-making.

This lesson validates students’ cultural identities, strengthens family engagement, and fosters an inclusive classroom community by honoring diverse backgrounds through art and storytelling.

Audience

9th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Guided discussion, individual reflection, and group art creation.

Materials

Symbols & Stories Overview, Symbol Selection Worksheet, Chart Paper, Colored Markers, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Symbols & Stories Overview slide deck to familiarize yourself with examples and discussion prompts.
  • Print one copy per student of the Symbol Selection Worksheet.
  • Gather Chart Paper, Colored Markers, and Sticky Notes for mural creation.
  • Arrange seating in clusters of four to facilitate group work.

Step 1

Introduction and Hook

5 minutes

  • Display slide 1 of the Symbols & Stories Overview.
  • Ask: “What symbols represent your family’s culture or heritage?”
  • Use Think–Pair–Share: students discuss with a partner, then share aloud.

Step 2

Explore Cultural Symbols

10 minutes

  • Present slides 2–5 of the Symbols & Stories Overview showcasing diverse cultural symbols.
  • Facilitate a whole-class discussion on symbolism and personal meaning.
  • Encourage students to ask questions about unfamiliar traditions.

Step 3

Symbol Selection Worksheet

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Symbol Selection Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to draw one cultural symbol and write a brief story or explanation.
  • Circulate to support students in articulating their connections.

Step 4

Mural Creation

15 minutes

  • Form groups of four; have students share their completed worksheets.
  • Each student selects one symbol to contribute to the group’s mural.
  • On Chart Paper, collaboratively sketch and color all four symbols using Colored Markers.
  • Use Sticky Notes to add key words or phrases around each symbol.

Step 5

Reflection and Share

5 minutes

  • Each group presents their mural and shares the stories behind their symbols.
  • Facilitate a brief debrief: “How does celebrating diverse symbols strengthen our classroom community?”
  • Collect Sticky Notes for a gallery display.
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Slide Deck

Symbols & Stories Overview

Explore cultural symbols and the rich stories they carry.

Use the lesson’s #D4F1F4 background color. Introduce the concept of cultural symbols and invite students to think about personal symbols from their own homes.

What Is a Cultural Symbol?

A cultural symbol is an object, image, or sign that represents ideas, values, or traditions of a community. It carries meaning beyond its appearance.

Define cultural symbols in your own words. Share everyday examples (e.g., family heirlooms, flags, holiday foods) and connect to students’ lives.

Symbol Examples: Part 1

  • Mexican Papel Picado: Represents celebration, unity, and joy.
  • Chinese Dragon: Symbolizes power, strength, and good fortune.

Show images of Mexican papel picado and a Chinese dragon. Discuss how colors, patterns, and forms communicate celebration, power, or good luck.

Symbol Examples: Part 2

  • Ghanaian Adinkra (“Gye Nyame”): Stands for the supremacy of the divine.
  • Native American Totem Pole: Carves family or tribal history into wood.

Display a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol and a Native American totem pole. Explain how each tells a story about beliefs or lineage.

Reflection & Discussion

Which symbol resonates with your family’s culture?
• Think: Write down one symbol and its meaning.
• Pair: Share with a partner.
• Share: Be ready to discuss with the class.

Prompt Think–Pair–Share. Give students sticky notes to jot their own symbols and brief meanings before sharing.

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Worksheet

Symbol Selection Worksheet

1. Draw Your Cultural Symbol

Use the box below to sketch the symbol that represents your family’s culture or heritage.












2. Symbol Name

What is the name of this symbol in your language or tradition?



3. Describe Its Appearance

List the colors, shapes, patterns, or objects you drew.






4. Story or Meaning

Explain the story, legend, or meaning behind this symbol in your family or culture.











5. Why It Matters

Why is this symbol important to your family? How do you honor or use it?







6. Personal Connection

In what ways does this symbol reflect your own identity or experiences?







7. Pair & Share

Turn to a partner and discuss:

• What did you learn about your partner’s symbol that surprised you?





8. Reflection

How can celebrating and displaying these symbols strengthen our classroom community?





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