5 Strategies To Make Teaching Figurative Language A Game Changer

5 ways to make teaching figurative language fun

Teaching Figurative Language is a skill that is easily be made fun and engaging if taught in the right way. Use this standard with any unit or lesson plan and can be found in most literature, songs, and even movies.

1. Have Students Identify Figurative Language Examples from Their Favorite Songs

After students review figurative language, one activity that’s a hit every year in my room is to have them find an example of figurative language from one of their favorite (appropriate) songs. For this activity, I post directions on the first Google Slide, an example on the 2nd slide, and then leave enough slides blank for students to find a slide and complete the activity. The video shows the directions I give, the example slide, and some of my students’ work from this assignment. If you would like to use the template I did, which includes the directions and example slide, click HERE.

2. Digital Escape Room

Students won’t realize they’re actually doing work because digital escape rooms are much like a game. They complete activities and in some cases watch short videos as well (if the concept needs a more in-depth explanation). Once they complete the activity correctly, they enter a code on the Google Form in order to move from one “room” to the next. This particular digital escape covers: similes, metaphors, personification, onomatopoeia, alliteration, idioms, hyperboles, and allusion. Check out the video below to see all that’s included, and access the Digital Escape HERE.

3. Teaching Figurative Language in Songs

To introduce figurative language, use songs students are familiar with. This video provides examples of songs students know that includes figurative language. Then each type is defined. This is a more engaging way to have students take notes rather than just copying what the teacher writes. I also have interactive, drag-and-drop digital activities that first teach students about the different types of figurative language. Then I have them identify figurative language in pop songs. You can check that out here.

4. Task Cards Figurative Language Activities

Students love task cards. Why not make it into a game?! Put students into groups and see which group identifies the examples of figurative language correctly first. I made this digital and printable FREEBIE set just for you. It includes the answers as well.

5. Use an Online Game Platforms

Quizizz, Kahoot, & Blooket are some of my students’ favorite websites that allow you to have live games on whatever skill you choose to review. They all have ready-made games or you create your own. There are other free review websites that I discussed here.