Reading Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Symbolism in Literature Worksheet
A 3-page worksheet for grades 4-6 that teaches symbolism as a literary device distinct from simile or metaphor. Students read a short fiction passage in which a grandmother’s old jacket carries forward to her granddaughter, answer five passage-detail questions, and then interpret the jacket as a symbol in three short-response items. Includes a strategy reference and a complete answer key.
Subject
Reading
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Symbolism in Literature, reading comprehension
Lesson Length
30 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Symbolism is the literary device upper-elementary readers most often miss. A symbol is not a simile, metaphor, or one-line comparison – it is a concrete object, color, setting, or recurring image that an author uses to stand for an abstract idea. Strong readers spot a symbol by noticing that an object gets more attention or repetition than the plot strictly needs, and they ask what bigger idea the author is pointing toward.
The reference box opens by distinguishing symbols from figurative language. It then names three or four common reader-friendly symbols – a dove for peace, a sunrise for hope, a storm for inner trouble, a key for opportunity – that prime students to look for the pattern but do not overlap with the passage’s specific symbol.
The passage features a green canvas jacket that belonged to a grandmother and now hangs unused by the door. The granddaughter, Mira, eventually takes the jacket down, slips it on, and walks toward the woods with the trail map and peppermint candy that were always in the front pocket. The jacket carries forward the grandmother’s hiking tradition. Section A keeps students at the literal level (what object is described, what is in the pocket, what does Mira do) so they own the passage details before interpreting.
Section B is the interpretation workout. Students name what the jacket stands for and support it with text evidence, explain why the specific contents of the pocket matter, and articulate why repetition makes a symbol stronger. Each Section B item gets a generous response box. Page 3 is a complete answer key with strong sample interpretations.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and contrast a symbol (an object that recurs and stands for a bigger idea) with a simile (one-line comparison).
Have students read the passage about Grandma’s jacket independently and underline every detail about the jacket itself.
Use Section A as a guided re-read – call on students to point to specific phrases in the passage as they answer.
Before Section B, ask the class to brainstorm bigger ideas the jacket might stand for (tradition, memory, love, continuity); write the candidates on the board.
Assign Section B independently; remind students to use one piece of text evidence to support their interpretation.
Use the answer key on page 3 for student self-check; emphasize that multiple interpretations may be defensible if supported by text evidence.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Symbolism in Literature Worksheet
A 3-page worksheet for grades 4-6 that teaches symbolism as a literary device distinct from simile or metaphor. Students read a short fiction passage in which a grandmother’s old jacket carries forward to her granddaughter, answer five passage-detail questions, and then interpret the jacket as a symbol in three short-response items. Includes a strategy reference and a complete answer key.
This is a Full Member resource
Unlock this worksheet — plus 1,000+ printable worksheets with answer keys across every subject and grade K–12. Just $29.99/year, cancel anytime.
See membership options →Keep Exploring Reading
Related Worksheets
More for Grades 4–6Author’s Word Choice Worksheet · Biography and Autobiography Worksheet · Claims and Evidence Worksheet · Comparing a Book and a Movie Worksheet · Conflict in Stories Worksheet · Context Clues in Reading Worksheet