Symbolic Borders are a quick yet efficient way to check students' comprehension of text. They are particularly effective for students who have difficulties expressing themselves verbally. Moreover, students view them as an art form rather than an assignment. Thus, to them, this is a fun activity, not work. I use Symbolic Borders with my fifth- and sixth-graders for reading assignments and with my eighth-graders for science assignments. They work especially well with vocabulary/thematic spelling assignments or on tests/quizzes. They can be utilized with almost any subject and at any grade level.

Directions:

1. Develop the concept of "symbol" with your students.

   Step B is optional. I use it only for beginners, omitting it after the students demonstrate proficiency.

2. Using a ruler and pencil, lightly draw a one inch border around the four sides of an assignment paper. Looseleaf notebook paper does not work well, since it has holes on one side.
3. Define a specific skill on which your students will focus. For instance, have your students identify the setting of a selection, or explain the theme of a story, or define the laws of motion.
4. Have the students select two to four symbols that represent the focus. No words or human faces are permitted.
5. Have the students draw the symbols in a repeating pattern in the border on their paper.
6. Finally, have them color the symbols.

To reinforce the fact that symbols represent ideas and ideas are most commonly expressed with words, I have students who are verbally challenged orally explain their symbols, while those who are able explain their symbols by writing a paragraph.

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Last updated February 17, 1997