One of the most exciting standards to teach in language arts involves figurative language! While some types may be difficult to pronounce, students often love these lessons once they overcome the challenge! Indeed, students often have a lot of fun identifying different types of stories. Additionally, they have a blast creating their own! However, it is essential that teachers use a variety of lesson ideas to ensure the love of figurative language remains. Honestly, figurative language is a standard that students will focus on throughout school. Thus, it is essential that the lessons remain engaging, rigorous, and interactive!
Typically, the first examples of figurative language that students learn about are similes and metaphors. Often, this is because students make comparisons, making it an excellent type to start with. However, students may struggle to remember that similes use like or as, while metaphors do not. Hence, it is crucial to use a variety of Simile and Metaphor examples!
One of the best parts of this resource is its inclusion of topic-specific examples. Thus, students will see how metaphors and similes can make similar comparisons, such as with mermaids or sports. Then, students will see how one topic they are reading about may contain both similes and metaphors! However, they will see the importance of paying attention to each word in a sentence to distinguish a simile from a metaphor.
Yes, onomatopoeia can be so challenging to say! However, it is such a fun word to say. Even better, this type of figurative language brings sentences alive! When using words that contain the sound, students can develop an idea of what the sentence looks or sounds like. For instance, onomatopoeia examples may involve weather sounds or animal sounds. Honestly, the options are endless when adding in onomatopoeia. Students will have a blast taking their figurative language sentences and adding onomatopoeia to bring their work to life.
Often, students love giving an idea or thing humanistic qualities! Thus, personification is often really enjoyable to learn. For instance, when teaching examples of personification, students can take something they like and add human qualities! Hence, students can create owls who are studying or wind that is kissing a cheek.
Honestly, idioms can be tricky to learn! It can be challenging for students to realize that a phrase means something different from its literal meaning. Thus, it will be vital to bring in a variety of activities to teach idioms. For instance, students may play charades, use picture stations, or create a mini-book. Since this type of figurative language can be challenging to learn, it will be helpful to use multiple activities.
Often, students use hyperboles without even realizing it! Honestly, young minds can run wild, so students may think they are being serious when they are actually exaggerating. Thus, it can take students time to understand how to create their own hyperboles. Therefore, it is helpful to use short stories and activities to show students a variety of examples. After doing this, they will be ready to bring figurative language to life in their work.
Alliteration takes ordinary sentences and adds an exciting element: the same vowel or consonant sound! Figurative language is so much fun to teach, as each type adds something different to a sentence. Incorporating examples of alliteration into lessons will help students see how a single element can add so much creativity! You might also like this post on alliteration.
Sometimes it can be confusing which types of figurative language to include in lessons. Ultimately, this answer may depend on students’ grade levels or skill sets. As students become more comfortable with figurative language, puns are the perfect next step! They create an often humorous play on words.
Adages are similar to puns when it comes to figurative language. Typically, they are not the type that will start lessons instantly because they take time and development to understand. However, it is essential for students to know that there are memorable sayings that most people consider valid. In other words, students need to understand that simple sayings are filled with wisdom. Thus, when they hear common adages, they will know the true meaning!
Since there are so many types of figurative language to learn, students will need a lot of practice! Additionally, as students learn more varieties, practicing the ones they previously learned will be important. Thankfully, there is plenty of engaging, creative practice available for teachers! For instance, there are pixel art color-by-number activities, sorting activities, bell ringers, worksheets, and task cards. Hence, lessons will remain creative and exciting for students!
Figurative language can be so much fun to learn. However, it can be really challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Thus, it is vital to take plenty of time when teaching each type. Additionally, using a variety of lesson ideas will keep students looking forward to practicing different types of figurative language!
If you’re looking for fun review activities, the Figurative Language Pixel Art Color-by-Code BUNDLE is perfect for you. This picture shows the file for color-by-code similes and metaphors.
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I am Kirsten Tulsian, an elementary educator with 18 years of experience as a teacher and counselor. My passion lies in empowering students to discover their inherent brilliance through the use of engaging, rigorous, and meaningful activities. I look forward to connecting with you!
