All Activities
Art

Hidden Messages: Using Symbols in Art

Overview

Students explore how simple images can stand for bigger ideas and messages, then create their own symbolic artwork.

Learning Objective
Students understand how symbols can represent ideas and communicate meaning in artwork.

Resources needed

  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Optional: coloured pencils or markers

Lesson stages

0 / 9 done
  1. 1 Discuss: what is a symbol? Give examples (heart = love, dove = peace).
  2. 2 Students identify symbols they already know.
  3. 3 Introduce idea that symbols can be personal or cultural.
  4. 4 Students choose an idea or feeling to represent.
  5. 5 Brainstorm symbols that could represent it.
  6. 6 Sketch and refine a drawing using symbols.
  7. 7 Encourage combining multiple symbols.
  8. 8 In pairs, students interpret each other’s artwork.
  9. 9 Whole-class discussion: were the meanings clear?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Create a personal symbol system.
  • Design a logo using symbols.
  • Use only abstract shapes to represent ideas.
More information

Teach: symbol, meaning, represent, idea, message. Use frames: 'This represents…', 'I chose… because…'.

Provide symbol examples or prompts. Allow verbal explanation instead of drawing.

Can students use symbols to communicate meaning? Can they explain their choices?

Draw symbols in sand or use objects to represent ideas.

Students may draw literal images instead of symbolic ones.

Symbolism is widely used in art, culture, and communication to convey deeper meaning.

Activity details
Primary Medium 30 minutes no prep Solo, Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Symbols Meaning Visual Communication Interpretation