Literal and figurative language lesson plan
Title: Exploring Literal and Figurative Language
Grade Level: 6th-8th Grade
Subject: English Language Arts
Objectives:
- Understand the difference between literal and figurative language.
- Identify examples of literal and figurative language in texts.
- Analyze the impact of figurative language in enhancing meaning and imagery.
- Create original examples of figurative language.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or smartboard
- Markers or colored pens
- Chart paper or poster paper
- Printed examples of figurative language (e.g., idioms, metaphors, similes)
- Copies of short texts or poems with various examples of figurative language
- Writing materials (paper and pencils/pens)
Procedure:
Introduction (10 minutes):
1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what figurative language is and provide some examples (e.g., "It's raining cats and dogs," "He's as strong as an ox"). Prompt them to briefly discuss what these examples mean and why they are not meant to be taken literally.
Definition and Discussion (15 minutes):
2. Write the terms "literal" and "figurative" on the whiteboard or smartboard.
3. Engage students in a discussion about the meaning of each term. Explain that literal language means exactly what it says, while figurative language uses words or phrases in creative ways to add extra meaning or create images in the reader's mind.
4. Give more examples of both literal and figurative language, and encourage students to explain the literal and figurative meanings of each example.
5. Ask students to share any experiences they've had with figurative language, such as idioms they've heard or metaphors they've come across.
Identifying Literal and Figurative Language (15 minutes):
6. Distribute printed examples of figurative language (idioms, metaphors, similes, etc.) to students or display them on the whiteboard.
7. Ask students to read each example and determine if it is literal or figurative language.
8. Have students explain the literal and figurative meanings of each example, as well as the purpose or effect of using figurative language.
Analyzing Figurative Language in Texts (20 minutes):
9. Provide short texts or poems with various examples of figurative language to students.
10. Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign each group a different text.
11. Instruct students to read the text and identify any examples of figurative language.
12. Have groups present their findings to the class, discussing the impact of the figurative language on the overall meaning, theme, or imagery of the text.
Creating Original Figurative Language (20 minutes):
13. Review the types of figurative language discussed earlier (e.g., similes, metaphors, personification).
14. Provide blank paper and writing materials to students.
15. Instruct students to create their own examples of figurative language using at least two different types, emphasizing creativity and clarity.
16. Allow students to share their original examples with the class, explaining their intended meanings or imagery.
Conclusion (5 minutes):
17. Summarize the concepts learned about literal and figurative language.
18. Encourage students to continue actively looking for figurative language in their reading, and to appreciate the enhanced impact it can have on writing.
19. Answer any lingering questions and provide any necessary clarification.
Assessment:
- In-class participation during discussions and activities.
- Analysis and presentation of findings on figurative language in texts.
- Original examples of figurative language written by students.
Step 1: Introduction to Literal and Figurative Language
- Begin by defining literal and figurative language to the students.
- Explain that literal language is when words are used in their plain or ordinary meaning, while figurative language is when words are used in a way that goes beyond their literal meaning.
- Provide examples of literal and figurative language to help students understand the difference. For example, "He ran" is a literal statement while "He ran like the wind" is a figurative statement.
- Engage students in a discussion about the importance and use of literal and figurative language in everyday communication.
Step 2: Examples of Literal Language
- Provide the students with a list of simple literal statements, such as "The dog is brown" or "I am hungry."
- Have the students identify and explain the literal meaning of each statement.
- Discuss how literal language is used to convey factual information.
Step 3: Examples of Figurative Language
- Introduce different types of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and idioms.
- Provide examples of each type of figurative language and explain its meaning.
- Engage students in a discussion about why and how figurative language is used to enhance communication and add depth to writing.
Step 4: Identifying Figurative Language
- Provide students with a list of sentences or short passages that contain examples of figurative language.
- Have students read each sentence or passage and identify the type of figurative language being used.
- Discuss the impact of figurative language on the overall meaning and tone of the sentence or passage.
Step 5: Creating Figurative Language
- Ask students to create their own examples of figurative language using different types, such as similes, metaphors, and personification.
- Have students share their examples with the class and explain the meaning behind them.
- Encourage creativity and brainstorm ways to include figurative language in their writing.
Step 6: Applying Literal and Figurative Language
- Provide students with short paragraphs or passages and ask them to identify instances of both literal and figurative language.
- Have students explain how the use of literal and figurative language contributes to the overall meaning and impact of the text.
- Discuss different literary works or pieces of writing where the use of literal and figurative language is prominent.
Step 7: Assessment
- Assign a writing task where students are required to incorporate both literal and figurative language.
- Use a rubric to assess their understanding and ability to effectively use literal and figurative language in their writing.
- Provide feedback on their use of figurative language and offer suggestions for improvement.
Step 8: Conclusion
- Recap the key points about literal and figurative language.
- Encourage students to continue practicing and incorporating figurative language in their writing to enhance their communication skills.
- Close the lesson by emphasizing the importance of both literal and figurative language in everyday communication and creative writing.