Symbolism in "A Wrinkle in Time"

Unit Overview

Unit: Exploring Time and Space
Lesson: 10 of 20
Grade: 6th Grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 30 students

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
• Understand and explain symbols in A Wrinkle in Time and analyze their role in conveying the novel’s themes.

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Materials Needed

• Copies of A Wrinkle in Time (excerpts focusing on key symbols: the tesseract, Mrs. Whatsit’s scarf, the dark shadow)
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• Symbol Analysis Graphic Organizer (one per student)
• Sticky notes
• Projector or Smartboard (optional)

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Engage students with a quick symbolic mystery: Display several ordinary objects (e.g., a red heart, a clock, a key) and ask students to quickly share what these might symbolize.
• Briefly explain what symbolism is and why authors use symbols.
• State the lesson focus: “Today, we will dive into A Wrinkle in Time to uncover important symbols and discuss what they mean.”

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2. Guided Reading & Symbol Identification (10 minutes)

• Read aloud a short, selected excerpt highlighting the tesseract, Mrs. Whatsit’s scarf, and the dark shadow.
• After reading each symbol’s introduction, pause and ask students what the symbol might represent. Encourage citing textual evidence (CCSS.RL.6.1).
• Record student responses on chart paper under three symbol headings.

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3. Symbol Analysis Activity (15 minutes)

• Distribute the Symbol Analysis Graphic Organizer with the following columns:
  1. Symbol
  2. Page/Chapter (Textual Evidence)
  3. What the symbol represents (inference)
  4. How it connects to the theme/message of the novel
• Students work in pairs to discuss and complete the organizer, using their notes and the text.
• Teacher circulates, scaffolding as needed and prompting deeper thinking (leveraging CCSS.RL.6.4 and RL.6.2).

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4. Class Discussion & Synthesis (10 minutes)

• Facilitate a whole-class discussion:
  • Have pairs share one symbol and their interpretation.
  • Encourage students to explain how each symbol helps deepen the novel’s message about courage, love, or the battle between light and dark.
• Write key thematic connections on the board to help visualize how symbols connect to the larger story.

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5. Exit Ticket & Reflection (5 minutes)

• On sticky notes, students write one new insight about symbolism in A Wrinkle in Time.
• Prompt: “How does understanding symbolism help you better understand the novel’s message?”
• Collect sticky notes for formative assessment.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Struggling readers: Provide a simplified symbol definition sheet and highlighted text excerpts.
• Advanced students: Challenge them to find an additional symbol not discussed and explain its meaning.
• English Language Learners: Pair with strong readers and use visual aids to connect symbols and meaning.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through Symbol Analysis Graphic Organizer and exit tickets.
• Observations of participation during discussions and reading.
• Next lesson can include a short quiz or creative writing assignment integrating symbol analysis.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Did students effectively use textual evidence to support their interpretations?
• Were students able to connect symbols to the novel’s overarching themes?
• Which symbols engaged students the most?
• How can this lesson be extended or deepened in future lessons?

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Extension Idea

• Have students create their own symbolic object related to the novel’s themes and write a paragraph explaining its significance.

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This lesson offers a meaningful, evidence-based approach to analyzing literary symbols while actively engaging middle school students in critical thinking aligned with Common Core standards.