Figurative Language — Simile, Metaphor, Personification

Figurative language is where ordinary words become extraordinary. The child moves from literal reading to poetic reading. Matching devices to the right name sharpens attention; a misclassification is caught when the sentence doesn't fit the rule.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Style & Figurative Language
• Level: Ages 8-9

Objectives

• Identify simile, metaphor, and personification in text
• Distinguish simile (uses like or as) from metaphor (direct equation)
• Recognize personification as giving human qualities to non-human things
• Compose original figurative expressions

Materials

• Chart of figurative language types with examples
• Anthology of poems rich in figurative language
• Writer's journal

Instructions

1. Introduce the chart. 2. Define simile: a comparison using 'like' or 'as' ('quick as a fox'). 3. Define metaphor: a direct equation ('he is a fox'). 4. Define personification: human traits to non-human ('the wind whispered'). 5. Read a poem and underline figurative language. 6. Classify each example. 7. Compose one of each in a journal. 8. Share and critique compositions with peers. 9. Continue collecting examples from daily reading.

Educator tip

Keep a running class board of favorite figurative expressions. Children write their own favorites in their journals and read them aloud.

Assessment

Note classification accuracy and originality of composed figurative language.

More from Language

• Formal Letter Writing
• Grammar Box 3 — Logical Adjective Game
• Grammar Box 4 — The Conjunction
• Grammar Box 5 — The Preposition
• Grammar Box 6 — The Verb
• Grammar Box 7 — The Adverb
• Phonograms — Diphthongs (oi, oy, ow, ou)
• Introduction to Cursive Writing