I recently posted a collection of Mentor Texts for Teaching Figurative Language. Today, I am going to add to that topic series by showing you 3 figurative language anchor charts (and their digital or printable counterparts) that can be effective in teaching this important language skill!
As we have discussed, figurative language is an essential part of developing student literacy. Students need context and/or connection to comprehend figurative language, so it can be difficult for young students to learn these skills. Fortunately, anchor charts are a great tool for building context and connection! Any chance you can provide exposure and experience with literary devices will build your students’ figurative language catalogs. So, this is the perfect way to help your students learn about figurative language!
Introduction to Figurative Language
Firstly, students will need an introduction to the concept of “Figurative Language.” Students need to understand the difference between “Literal” and “Non-Literal Language.” A simple anchor chart that lists the types of figurative language your students will be learning with a definition and example should do the trick!
*A way to make this anchor chart interactive: Laminate the anchor chart & keep a stack of sticky notes and a marker nearby. Any time students find an example of these types of language within their independent or shared reading, they can add a sticky note to the correct box!
You can also use the digital and printable anchor charts that come in the CCSS ELA Units (if you have them!) Each standard and skill will have an anchor chart that you can display on the board or print in poster size!
The main objective of your introductory figurative language anchor chart is to define what figurative language is and provide a few examples to build context!
Anchor charts shown in the images above are from the L.3.5.a and RL.4.4 units.
Next, you will need an anchor chart for similes and metaphors! I like to include personification with these because they are all comparative (but some of your grade levels won’t require teaching this type of figurative language yet).
Draw a simple t-chart with a clear description of each literary device (laminate and allow room for sticky notes). Then, use sticky notes to sort figurative language examples into the correct column! This activity can be done again and again until your students have gained mastery!
Similarly, you will find digital and printable versions of anchor charts for specific literary devices within your ELA units! These are great for interactive notebooks or ELA binders. You can even share them digitally to include in “anchor chart” or “ELA notes” folders in students’ drives!
Anchor charts shown in the images above are from the L.4.5.a unit.
Idioms, Adages, & Proverbs
Lastly, we can teach all about idioms, proverbs, and adages together. Since these are all commonly known sayings that have been used for a long time, learning to differentiate between them can be difficult. So, students will just need practice and connection! As with similes & metaphors, students can continue their learning by adding sticky notes to these charts as they come to examples in their own reading. Students will love finding figurative language examples and adding them to the corresponding charts! Once a week or so, take a few minutes to gather your students and go through the examples they have found. You all can read the example and decipher whether it is in the correct category or not. Thus, continuing the learning experience, correcting misconceptions, and strengthening understanding!
Luckily, there are lots of engaging mentor texts that can help students with this, too.
Anchor charts shown in the images above are from the L.4.5.b unit.
Thanks so much for coming back to check out these anchor charts! Soon, check back to see my next Figurative Language blog post that will feature activities and assessments for teaching figurative language! Until then, happy teaching!
Resources That Are Ready to Go!
If you are teaching a figurative language unit soon and need materials, look no further. These standards-based units have everything you need from lesson plans to assessments. Plus, they will make your life so much easier! In fact, they are no prep for you. Click the buttons below to get a closer look!
L.3.5.a
L.4.5.a
L.4.5.b
These are the RL units that incorporate figurative language. Context clues are important in determining meaning, especially with unknown phrases!
RL.3.4
RL.4.4
RL.5.4
Meanwhile, would you like to read more Language posts?
- 5 Anchor Charts for Word Parts
- Teaching Language With Technology
- Language Tips: Teaching Commas
