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Symbol Sense

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Lesson Plan

Symbol Sense Lesson Plan

Help the student understand the swastika’s history and impact, reflect on its meaning, and develop respectful alternative symbols to express ideas without harm.

Understanding the swastika’s origins and effects provides social-emotional insight, reduces unintentional harm, and equips the student with positive communication strategies.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Guided history exploration, discussion prompts, and personal reflection activity.

Materials

Swastika History Brief, and Symbol Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain the session goal: understanding symbols and their effects.
  • Ask the student to share why they chose to draw the symbol today.

Step 2

History Exploration

4 minutes

  • Provide the Swastika History Brief.
  • Read key points together: ancient origins vs. 20th-century misuse.
  • Highlight how symbols’ meanings change over time.

Step 3

Guided Discussion

4 minutes

  • Ask: “How do you feel when you see this symbol?”
  • Prompt: “What messages might others receive when they see a swastika?”
  • Acknowledge feelings and validate any confusion or curiosity.

Step 4

Reflection Activity

3 minutes

  • Hand over the Symbol Reflection Worksheet.
  • Instruct the student to draw or write a new symbol that represents an idea (e.g., friendship, kindness).
  • Ask them to note what their symbol means and why they chose it.

Step 5

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

  • Review the student’s new symbol and its positive message.
  • Reinforce that symbols can help share friendly ideas safely.
  • Encourage asking for help or using words if unsure about a symbol’s impact.
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Reading

Swastika History Brief

What Is a Symbol?

A symbol is a picture, shape, or sign that stands for an idea, feeling, or story. For example, a heart symbol often means love; a smiley face can mean happiness.

Ancient Origins of the Swastika

  • The swastika is a very old symbol. It was used for good luck and well-being in many places around the world, including India, China, Africa, and Native American cultures.
  • In some languages, the word “swastika” even means “good fortune.” People carved it on buildings, jewelry, and art to share a message of peace and health.

20th-Century Misuse

  • In the early 1900s, a group called the Nazis in Germany adopted the swastika as their emblem.
  • The Nazis used it to spread dangerous ideas of hate and to hurt many people, especially Jewish families.
  • Because of this history, seeing a swastika today can make people feel frightened, sad, or angry. The swastika’s old meaning of good luck was lost by the harm it caused.

How Symbols Change Meaning

  1. Who uses the symbol: A sign can feel positive in one place and hurtful in another, depending on the story behind it.
  2. What it stands for: When a symbol is used to hurt or scare people, we remember that painful history.
  3. How we respond: Learning about a symbol’s history helps us decide if it is kind to use.

Why Learning Matters

  • By understanding both the ancient and modern use of the swastika, we learn why some symbols can hurt feelings.
  • Knowing the story behind a symbol helps us choose kinder ways to share our ideas.
  • When we create new symbols, we can make sure they promote friendship, respect, and understanding.
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Worksheet

Symbol Reflection Worksheet

Student Name: ______________________ Date: ___________

1. Draw Your New Symbol

Use the space below to draw a symbol that shows an idea like friendship, kindness, or respect.












2. What idea or message does your symbol represent?







3. Why did you choose this design (shapes, lines, colors)?







4. How do you hope others will feel when they see your symbol?







5. Can you think of any reasons someone might misunderstand your symbol?







6. What words or explanation could you add to make sure people understand your symbol’s meaning?







7. Think back to what you learned in the Swastika History Brief. What makes a symbol feel positive or negative?







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Slide Deck

Introduction

  • What is a symbol?
  • Why are we here today?
  • Why did you draw the swastika?

Greet the student and explain the session goal: understanding symbols and their effects. Ask the student to share why they chose to draw the swastika today.

History of the Swastika

  • Ancient symbol for good luck and well-being around the world
  • Adopted by the Nazis in the 20th century to spread hate
  • Today, it can make people feel frightened, sad, or angry
  • A symbol’s meaning can change based on its history

Provide the Swastika History Brief. Read key points together: ancient origins vs. 20th-century misuse. Highlight how symbols’ meanings change over time.

Discussing Impact

  • How do you feel when you see this symbol?
  • What messages might others receive when they see a swastika?

Ask how the student feels when they see the swastika and what messages others might receive. Listen and validate feelings.

Create a New Symbol

Use the Symbol Reflection Worksheet to:

  • Draw a new symbol
  • Write what idea it represents
  • Explain why you chose this design

Hand over the Symbol Reflection Worksheet. Instruct the student to draw or write a new symbol that represents an idea (e.g., friendship, kindness), and note what it means and why they chose it.

Wrap-Up

  • Review your new symbol and its message
  • Remember: symbols can share friendly ideas safely
  • If you're unsure about a symbol’s impact, ask for help or use words instead

Review the student’s new symbol and its positive message. Reinforce that symbols can help share friendly ideas safely. Encourage asking for help or using words if unsure about a symbol’s impact.

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