Figurative Language Lesson Plan for High Schoolers - Aligned to Common Core

Even in high school, students continue to struggle with figurative language. We're offering this free lesson plan and set of accompanying worksheets for you to use in your classroom! This lesson plan was originally generated using AI and then reviewed by our team. In our resource series, we'll be sharing free materials that you can easily integrate into Google Docs and Google Classroom. We'll give you some ideas of how to generate this material in ChatGPT as well as using our tool, Brisk Teaching.

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In ChatGPT, you could try asking for something like:

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"You are an expert instructor. Please create a high school lesson plan about figurative language. Make sure the lesson plan includes a bell ringer activity, independent practice, and an exit ticket"

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In Brisk, you can just type "Figurative Language" when using our Write with Brisk lesson planner tool.

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Here's what we created using our AI lesson planner:

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Common Core Figurative Language Lesson Plan

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Objectives:

- Students will be able to define and identify various types of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and idioms.

- Students will be able to analyze the impact of figurative language on a text's meaning and tone.

- Students will be able to use figurative language in their own writing to enhance description and create imagery.

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Materials:

- Whiteboard or chalkboard

- Markers or chalk

- Handouts with examples of figurative language

- Copies of a short story or poem that contains examples of figurative language

- Writing materials for students

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Bell-Ringer Activity:

- Display a short quote on the board that contains figurative language (e.g., "Her smile was as bright as the sun"). Ask students to identify the type of figurative language used and explain its meaning. Allow a few minutes for students to think and write down their responses.

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Introduction:

- Begin by asking students if they have ever heard someone say something that didn't mean exactly what it sounded like. Explain that this is an example of figurative language, which is a way of using words to create a deeper meaning or add emphasis to a message.

- Define figurative language as language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words. Give examples of common types of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and idioms.

- Explain that figurative language is often used in literature to create vivid imagery, evoke emotions, and convey complex ideas. It can also be used in everyday language to make conversations more interesting and expressive.

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Direct Instruction:

- Go through each type of figurative language one by one, providing clear definitions and examples for each.

- Simile: Explain that a simile is a comparison between two things using "like" or "as." Give examples, such as "She runs like the wind" or "His voice is as smooth as silk."

- Metaphor: Explain that a metaphor is a direct comparison between two things without using "like" or "as." Give examples, such as "The world is a stage" or "Love is a battlefield."

- Personification: Explain that personification is giving human qualities or characteristics to non-human things. Give examples, such as "The flowers danced in the breeze" or "The sun smiled down on us."

- Hyperbole: Explain that hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or dramatic effect. Give examples, such as "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" or "I've told you a million times."

- Idiom: Explain that an idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. Give examples, such as "It's raining cats and dogs" or "Break a leg."

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Guided Practice:

- Distribute handouts with examples of figurative language. In pairs or small groups, have students identify the type of figurative language used in each example and explain its meaning. Walk around the classroom to provide assistance and answer any questions.

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Independent Practice:

- Provide each student with a short story or poem that contains examples of figurative language. Instruct students to identify and underline the figurative language in the text. Then, have them write a short paragraph explaining the impact of the figurative language on the text's meaning and tone. Encourage students to use specific examples from the text to support their analysis.

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Exit Ticket:

- Ask students to write down one example of figurative language they learned today and explain its meaning. Collect the exit tickets before the end of class to assess student understanding.

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Closure:

- Review the different types of figurative language covered in the lesson and ask students to share any insights or questions they have. Emphasize the importance of figurative language in literature and everyday communication, and encourage students to continue exploring and using figurative language in their own reading and writing.

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Worksheet 1: Identifying Figurative Language

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Instructions: Read each sentence and identify the type of figurative language used. Write your answer in the space provided.

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1. The stars danced in the night sky like diamonds.

   Figurative Language: _______________

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2. Her laughter was music to my ears.

   Figurative Language: _______________

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3. The tree branches reached out and grabbed my hair.

   Figurative Language: _______________

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4. I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse!

   Figurative Language: _______________

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5. He's as strong as an ox.

   Figurative Language: _______________

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Worksheet 2: Creating Figurative Language

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Instructions: Use your creativity to complete each sentence by adding a simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, or idiom.

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1. The rain fell from the sky like ____________________.

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2. Her smile was as bright as ____________________.

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3. The wind whispered secrets in my ____________________.

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4. I'm so tired, I could sleep for ____________________.

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5. He's as sly as a ____________________.

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Figurative Language Resource

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Figurative language is a literary device that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to create a deeper meaning or add emphasis to a message. It is used to make writing more engaging, descriptive, and expressive. There are several types of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and idioms.

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1. Simile: A simile is a comparison between two things using "like" or "as." It helps to create vivid imagery and make a description more relatable. For example:

- "She runs like the wind."

- "His voice is as smooth as silk."

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2. Metaphor: A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unrelated things, stating that one thing is another. It helps to create strong imagery and convey complex ideas. For example:

- "Her smile is a ray of sunshine."

- "Time is a thief."

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3. Personification: Personification gives human qualities or characteristics to non-human things. It helps to make inanimate objects or abstract concepts more relatable. For example:

- "The flowers danced in the breeze."

- "The sun smiled down on us."

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4. Hyperbole: Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or dramatic effect. It helps to create a strong impact and evoke emotions. For example:

- "I've told you a million times."

- "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse."

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5. Idioms: Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning. They are unique to a particular language or culture. For example:

- "Break a leg" (meaning good luck).

- "It's raining cats and dogs" (meaning heavy rain).

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Figurative language is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday language. It adds depth, imagery, and emotion to writing, making it more engaging and memorable. By understanding and using figurative language, students can enhance their own writing and better analyze the impact of figurative language in texts.

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Figurative Language Quiz

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Question 1:

Which of the following is an example of a simile?

a) "Her smile was as bright as the sun."

b) "The world is a stage."

c) "Time flies when you're having fun."

d) "He's a walking encyclopedia."

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Question 2:

What is the purpose of using figurative language in literature?

a) To confuse the reader

b) To create vivid imagery

c) To provide factual information

d) To simplify complex ideas

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Question 3:

Which of the following is an example of personification?

a) "The wind whispered through the trees."

b) "The stars danced in the night sky."

c) "The sun smiled down on us."

d) "The waves crashed against the shore."

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Question 4:

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

a) A simile uses "like" or "as," while a metaphor does not.

b) A simile compares two things directly, while a metaphor implies the comparison.

c) A simile is used to describe physical appearance, while a metaphor is used to describe emotions.

d) A simile is used in poetry, while a metaphor is used in prose.

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Question 5:

Which of the following is an example of hyperbole?

a) "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse."

b) "The sun is shining brightly."

c) "She has a heart of gold."

d) "The wind whispered through the trees."

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Question 6:

What is the purpose of using figurative language in everyday conversations?

a) To confuse the listener

b) To make conversations more interesting and expressive

c) To provide factual information

d) To simplify complex ideas

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Question 7:

Which of the following is an example of an idiom?

a) "It's raining cats and dogs."

b) "The early bird catches the worm."

c) "He's as strong as an ox."

d) "She's a diamond in the rough."

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Question 8:

How does figurative language enhance a text's meaning and tone?

a) It makes the text more difficult to understand.

b) It adds depth and complexity to the text.

c) It simplifies the text for the reader.

d) It makes the text less engaging.

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Question 9:

Which of the following is an example of a metaphor?

a) "His voice is music to my ears."

b) "She runs like the wind."

c) "The world is a stage."

d) "Time flies when you're having fun."

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Question 10:

What is the purpose of using figurative language in writing?

a) To confuse the reader

b) To create vivid imagery and evoke emotions

c) To provide factual information

d) To simplify complex ideas

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Activity: Figurative Language Scavenger Hunt

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Instructions: In pairs or small groups, find examples of figurative language in the short story or poem provided. Write down the sentence or phrase that contains the figurative language and identify the type of figurative language used. Be prepared to share your findings with the class.

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Exit Ticket: Figurative Language Reflection

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Instructions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

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1. What is the purpose of using figurative language in literature?

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2. Give an example of a simile and explain its meaning.

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3. How can figurative language enhance your own writing?

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4. Name one type of figurative language that you find most interesting and explain why.

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5. Can you think of any idioms that you use in everyday conversations? Give an example and explain its meaning.