Symbols of Courage

This worksheet helps students explore important symbols in Call It Courage and understand what they represent beyond their literal meaning. Students describe each symbol, explain its deeper meaning, and connect it to Mafatu’s journey and growth. This activity strengthens skills in literary analysis, interpretation, and comprehension while helping students recognize how symbols support themes like courage, survival, and transformation. Designed for grades 4-7, it encourages deeper thinking about the story.

Skills Reinforced

• Symbol Identification – Students recognize meaningful objects and elements in the story
• Interpretive Thinking – Learners explain what symbols represent
• Thematic Connections – Builds understanding of how symbols relate to major ideas
• Textual Analysis – Encourages thoughtful examination of story details

Learning Benefits

• Guided structure – Helps students break down abstract concepts
• Print-and-go resource – No prep required for easy use
• Flexible format – Works for independent work or group discussion
• Supports deeper comprehension – Moves beyond literal understanding

This worksheet helps students uncover deeper meaning in Call It Courage by focusing on symbolism and theme. As learners analyze symbols like the sea, spear, and canoe, they strengthen comprehension, interpretation, and critical thinking skills. It also reinforces how objects can represent ideas such as fear, strength, and growth. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this activity supports confident literary analysis and meaningful engagement with the text.