Understanding Figurative Language and How to Teach It to Children

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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.