Lesson Plan
Figurative Language Unlocked
Students will learn the key terms and examples of figurative language, enhancing their vocabulary and understanding of literary devices in a brief, engaging session.
Developing figurative language skills supports reading comprehension and enriches creative expression, essential for effective communication.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and quick group exploration.
Prep
Lesson Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the digital slide deck with examples of similes, metaphors, and personification.
- Familiarize yourself with the interactive whiteboard prompts and ensure technology is working.
- Prepare to ask guiding questions to prompt student discussion. Refer to Digital Slide Deck: Examples of Figurative Language as needed.
Step 1
Introduction
3 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the topic of figurative language.
- Explain that figurative language uses comparisons to add depth to writing.
- Pose a simple example (e.g., 'as busy as a bee') to spark interest.
Step 2
Main Activity
8 minutes
- Display the digital slide deck to show various examples of figurative language.
- Engage students in a discussion about the examples and ask them to identify which type each example represents.
- Use the interactive whiteboard prompts to let students contribute ideas in real-time.
Step 3
Wrap-Up
4 minutes
- Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
- Ask a few students to share their favorite example or create a new one.
- Remind students of the importance of figurative language in reading and writing.
Slide Deck
Figurative Language & Sound Devices
Unlock the power of language with creative comparisons and sounds!
Explore how writers use comparisons and sound to make ideas more vivid.
Introduce the topic and highlight the variety of creative expressions available through both figurative language and sound devices.
Simile
Definition: A simile is a comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
Examples:
• 'Busy as a bee'
• 'As brave as a lion'
• 'Light as a feather'
Provide multiple simile examples to deepen understanding. Encourage students to think of their own creative similes.
Metaphor
Definition: A metaphor is a direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.
Examples:
• 'Time is a thief.'
• 'Life is a journey.'
• 'The classroom was a zoo.'
Offer additional metaphor examples. Ask students to discuss why metaphors can create strong imagery without using 'like' or 'as'.
Personification
Definition: Personification gives human traits to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.
Examples:
• 'The wind whispered through the trees.'
• 'The city never sleeps.'
• 'The flowers danced in the breeze.'
Introduce more examples of personification. Encourage students to visualize the imagery created when human traits are given to non-human objects.
Alliteration
Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely connected words.
Examples:
• 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.'
• 'Sally sells seashells by the seashore.'
• 'Whispering winds welcome weary wanderers.'
Provide further instances of alliteration and ask students to try coming up with their own examples in groups.
Onomatopoeia
Definition: Onomatopoeia consists of words that imitate natural sounds.
Examples:
• 'The bees buzzed and the clock ticked.'
• 'Bang! The balloon popped.'
• 'Splash! The water droplets hit the floor.'
Share more examples of onomatopoeia. Ask students to think of everyday sounds and the words that represent them.
Assonance
Definition: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words.
Examples:
• 'The early bird catches the worm.' (with emphasis on the long 'e' sound)
• 'Hear the mellow wedding bells.'
• 'The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.'
Offer additional examples of assonance. Discuss how the repetition of vowel sounds creates rhythm in sentences.
Wrap-Up
Remember: Figurative language and sound devices make writing lively and engaging!
Think about your favorite example or try creating a new one.
Invite students to reflect on the examples shared. Ask them to pick their favorites or to create their own examples for a closing discussion.
Activity
Interactive Whiteboard Prompts
In this interactive activity, students will use the whiteboard to brainstorm and share examples of figurative language. Follow these guidelines during the session:
Guidelines
-
Think Creatively:
- Consider different types of figurative language such as similes, metaphors, and personification.
- Remember: Figurative language is about creative comparisons!
-
Collaborate:
- Work with your classmates to build on each other's ideas.
- Work with your classmates to build on each other's ideas.
-
Be Specific and Clear:
- When writing your examples, include the type of figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor) and a brief explanation if necessary.
- When writing your examples, include the type of figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor) and a brief explanation if necessary.
Whiteboard Prompts
- Prompt 1: Write down a simile that you have heard or can create on the spot. (e.g., "as brave as a lion")
- Prompt 2: Share your best metaphor. What does your metaphor compare and why is it effective?
- Prompt 3: Think of a time when an inanimate object was described as having human qualities (personification). Write your example and explain how it brings life to that object.
Teacher Follow-Up Questions
- Can someone explain why they chose this particular comparison?
- How does this figurative language enhance the description in your example?
- Is there a way to improve your example to make the comparison even clearer?
These prompts are designed to engage the class in a creative discussion while reinforcing the key concepts of figurative language. Enjoy exploring and expanding your writing skills!