What are shared experiences or symbols?

Shared experiences or symbols are things that people do or use together to feel connected and understand each other better.

Imagine you're playing a game with your friends at recess. You all know the rules, and when someone says "Go!" everyone starts running. That rule, "Go!", is like a shared symbol, because it means the same thing to all of you. It helps you all play the game together without confusion.

Think of shared experiences or symbols as a secret code that only your group knows. When you see a red balloon at school, you know it means "It's time for pizza!" That red balloon is like a shared symbol, it helps everyone understand what’s happening without having to say anything else.

Shared experiences can also be things you do together, like singing the same song before lunch or high-fiving every time you finish a test. These actions help your group feel closer and more connected, just like how shared symbols work!

So next time you see a red balloon or hear "Go!" at recess, remember: that’s a shared experience or symbol helping everyone understand what to do together!