Metaphors, Similes, and other Figurative Language
Lesson plans and other teaching resources
| Metaphors | | Similes | | Personification | | Other |
Metaphors
Click here : lesson plans on metaphors are now on a separate page.
Similes
Click here : lesson plans on similes are now on a separate page.
Personification
Figurative Language Awards Ceremony
Students explore books rich in figurative language and nominate their favorite examples of similes, metaphors, and personification for a figurative language award. Once nominations are in, the class votes, selecting a winning example in each category. Finally, students are challenged to write an acceptance speech for one of the winners, using as many literary devices (simile, metaphor, personification) as they can in their speech. Designed for grades 3-5.
Personificiation
An activity on personification for elementary students. This 2-page handout requires Adobe Reader for access.
Personification
3 different practice activities. Students can complete them online or can print them out as worksheets.
Personification Examples
Definition and 50 examples.
Other
Figurative Language of Edgar Allan Poe
10 quotations drawn from stories and poems. Students identify metaphor, simile, personification, or hyperbole. Answers available. Can be printed as worksheets or completed online.
Figurative Language of O. Henry
23 quotations from various stories. Students identify figures of speech. 4 pages; answers available. Can be printed as worksheets or completed online.
Figurative Language of Shakespeare
23 quotations from various plays. Students identify metaphor, simile, personification, or hyperbole. 3 pages; answers available. Can be printed as worksheets or completed online.
Figurative Language Poems with Questions
Questions for analysis and answer keys for 9 different poems. Designed for middle school and above. Can be printed as worksheets or completed online.
Figurative Language: Teaching Idioms
In this lesson, students explore figurative language with a focus on the literal versus the metaphorical translations of idioms. Through read-alouds, teacher modeling, and student-centered activities that are presented in the classroom, students will further develop their understanding of figurative language. Designed for grades 3-5.
Figures of Speech
A list of common figures of speech and other literary devices with examples.
Hyperbole Examples
50 examples.
Hyperbole
This 3-page handout provides a very short story. Elementary students identify the examples of hyperbole in it.
Metonymy
Examples of metonymy drawn from rap music, literature, and current events.
Onomatopoeia: A Figurative Language Minilesson
Students are introduced to the literary device of onomatopoeia and explore how the technique adds to a writer's message. Students brainstorm a list of onomatopoeic words and then find examples of the technique in Edgar Allan Poes poem, "The Bells." Once they find examples, students reflect on how the onomatopoeic words add to the poem and the writer's message. They then apply their knowledge of the technique by choosing sound words in response to sounds they hear in an online tool. Following the lesson, students can look for additional examples of the literary device in their reading or look for places to add onomatopoeia to their writing.
What am I? Teaching Poetry through Riddles
An introduction to poetry via metaphor, simile, metonymy, concrete imagery, and creativity.
Onomatopoeia Examples
From "ball" to "zoom," 101 examples of onomatopoeia.
For your next lesson on onomatopoeia, consider having your students collaborate on a poster like this one:
