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Figurative Language

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 after overcoming this challenge! Indeed, students often have so much fun identifying different types in stories. Additionally, they have a blast creating their own! However, it is essential 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 all throughout school. Thus, it is essential for the lessons to stay engaging, rigorous, and interactive! 

Figurative Language- Simile and Metaphors

Typically, the first examples of figurative language that students learn about are similes and metaphors. Often, this is because students make comparisons, so this is an excellent type to start with. However, students may struggle remembering that similes use like or as while metaphors do not. Hence, it is crucial to use a variety of Simile and Metaphor examples!

simile-and-metaphor-activities

One of the best parts of this resource is that it includes examples based upon the topic. 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 within the sentence to differentiate a simile from a metaphor. 

Onomatopoeia 

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 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 make their work come alive.
onomatopoeia-task-cards-and-activities

Personification 

Often, students love giving an idea or thing humanistic qualities! Thus, personification is often really enjoyable to learn. For instance, when teaching personification examples, students can take something they like and add in humanistic aspects! Hence, students can create owls who are studying or wind that is kissing a cheek. 

personification-boom-cards

Idioms 

Honestly, idioms can be tricky to learn! It can be a challenging process for students to know 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 can be a challenging type of figurative language to learn, it will be helpful to use multiple activities. 

idioms-task-cards-activities-with-examples

Hyperboles 

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 time for students to understand how to create their hyperboles. Therefore, it is helpful to use short stories and activities to show students different examples. After doing this, they will be ready to bring figurative language alive within their work.

hyperboles-color-by-number-coloring-activity

Alliteration 

Alliterations take ordinary sentences and add in an exciting element: the same consonant sound! Figurative language is so much fun to teach as each type adds something different to a sentence. Incorporating alliteration examples into lessons will allow students to see how one simple element adds in so much creativity! You might also like this alliteration post

figurative-language

Puns 

Sometimes, it can be confusing on which types of figurative language should be brought into lessons. Ultimately, this answer may depend on the grade or skill set of students.. As students become more comfortable with figurative language, puns are the perfect next step! They create an often humorous play on words. Thankfully, by using pun examples broken down by topic, students can relate to them for a deeper understanding. 

puns-task-cards-and-anchor-charts-5th-grade

Adages 

Adages are similar to puns when it comes to figurative language. Typically, they are not a type that will instantly start lessons because they take time and development to understand. However, it is essential for students to know how there are memorable sayings that are considered valid by the majority of people. In other words, students need to understand how there are simple sayings filled with wisdom. Thus, when they hear common adages, they will know the true meaning! 

adages-in-figurative-language

Extra Figurative Language Practice 

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, and 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, by using a variety of lesson ideas, students will always look forward to practicing different types of figurative language! 

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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!

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