What are symbols and images?

Symbols and images are ways to show ideas or things without using words, like when you draw a picture instead of saying what it is.

A symbol is something that stands for another thing. Think about your backpack: if you see it on the floor, you know it means it's time to go to school! Your backpack is a symbol for "school time." It’s like a special message your brain understands without needing words.

An image is a picture or drawing that shows what something looks like. If you draw a cat on paper, that’s an image of a cat. You can look at it and see the cat, no need for words! Like how your favorite toy has a certain color and shape, so when you see it from across the room, you know exactly what it is.

Symbols and images are like friends who help you understand things without talking, just by looking at them! Symbols and images are ways to show ideas or things without using words, like when you draw a picture instead of saying what it is.