It's raining cats and dogs.
A figurative language is a powerful tool in the English language that
enhances communication by allowing speakers and writers to express ideas in
imaginative and non-literal ways. Mastering figurative language is essential
for children, not just for understanding literature but also for developing
more sophisticated communication skills. Here’s a guide on figurative language,
how to teach it effectively to children, and specific resources to use.
What is Figurative Language?
Figurative language involves using words or expressions that go beyond
their literal meanings to convey more complex or vivid ideas. Unlike literal
language, which means exactly what it says, figurative language requires
interpretation and often draws on comparisons or symbolic meanings.
Common types of figurative language include:
- Simile: A comparison
between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “Her smile
was as bright as the sun.”
- Metaphor: A direct
comparison between two, unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “Time is a
thief.”
- Personification: Assigning
human characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas.
- Example: “The wind
whispered through the trees.”
- Hyperbole: An exaggerated
statement not meant to be taken literally.
- Example: “I’m so
hungry I could eat a horse.”
- Onomatopoeia: A word that
imitates the natural sound of a thing.
- Example: “The bees
buzzed in the garden.”
- Alliteration: The repetition
of the same consonant sound at the beginning of closely connected words.
- Example: “Peter Piper
picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
How to Teach Figurative Language to
Children
Teaching figurative language to children can be fun and engaging if
approached with the right strategies and materials. Here are some effective
techniques and resources.
1. Start with Simple Definitions and
Examples
Begin by introducing each type of figurative language with simple, clear
definitions and examples relevant to the child’s experiences. Use everyday
language and situations to make these concepts relatable.
- Example: For similes,
you might start with, “A simile is when we say something is like or as
something else. For example, ‘The baby’s skin is as soft as silk.’ What’s
something that feels soft to you?”
2. Use Visual Aids
Children often grasp figurative language more easily when they can
visualize the comparisons being made. Create or find images that represent the
figurative language you’re teaching. For instance, when teaching metaphors,
show an image of a clock with wings to represent the metaphor “Time flies.”
- Resource: “Figurative
Language Posters” by Teachers Pay Teachers is an excellent visual
resource that breaks down each type of figurative language with colorful
illustrations.
3. Incorporate Literature and Poetry
Children’s literature is rich with figurative language, making it an
ideal tool for teaching. Choose books and poems that naturally incorporate
similes, metaphors, and other figurative language.
- Example: Read Shel
Silverstein’s “A Light in the Attic” or “Where the Sidewalk
Ends.” Silverstein’s poems are filled with creative examples of
figurative language, making them perfect for teaching these concepts in a
fun way.
- Resource: “Amelia
Bedelia” series by Peggy Parish is another great resource. The main
character, Amelia, takes everything literally, which helps highlight the
difference between figurative and literal language in an amusing context.
4. Engage in Creative Writing
Exercises
Encourage children to create their own examples of figurative language
through creative writing. Start with simple prompts, such as, “Describe your
favorite animal using a simile,” or “Write a metaphor about how you feel when
you’re excited.”
- Tip: Use a
worksheet with sentence starters like “The moon is a…” to prompt metaphors
or “The rain sounds like…” for similes.
- Resource: “Teaching
Figurative Language: Over 200 Classroom-Ready Activities for Grades 5-9”
by Christine Boardman Moen offers structured exercises that can be adapted
for younger students to practice creating their own figurative language.
5. Use Music and Songs
Songs are often filled with figurative language, and using music in your
teaching can make the learning process more enjoyable and memorable. Play a
popular song and ask children to identify similes, metaphors, or other
figurative language within the lyrics.
- Example: Taylor Swift’s
songs are known for using metaphors and similes. For instance, in “Blank
Space,” she sings, “Love's a game, wanna play?”—a perfect metaphor to
discuss.
- Resource: “Shmoop
Music Guide: Figurative Language in Songs” provides a list of songs
with examples of figurative language, making incorporating music into your
lessons easier.
6. Create Figurative Language Games
Turn learning figurative language into a game. This can include matching
activities, where children match a type of figurative language with its
definition, or creating a scavenger hunt where they find examples in books or
around the classroom.
- Example: Use a
“Figurative Language Bingo” game where each square contains an example of
figurative language, and the child has to identify whether it’s a simile,
metaphor, personification, etc.
- Resource: “Figurative
Language Task Cards” by Rachel Lynette offers 48 task cards that
present various examples and questions to engage students in identifying
and creating figurative language.
7. Use Technology and Apps
There are several educational apps designed to teach figurative language
through interactive activities. These tools can be particularly effective for
tech-savvy kids who enjoy digital learning.
- Resource: “Figurative
Language Interactive PowerPoint” by Lovin’ Lit is a dynamic resource
that combines visuals, definitions, and interactive quizzes to teach
figurative language in an engaging way.
Conclusion
Teaching figurative language to children is a vital part of their
language development, enabling them to understand and enjoy the richness of
English literature and communication. By starting with simple definitions,
using visual aids, incorporating literature, engaging in creative writing,
using music, and making learning fun with games and technology, educators and
parents can effectively introduce children to the world of figurative language.
Children can learn to appreciate and use figurative language confidently and
creatively with the right approach and resources.
