Activity Overview
Esperanza Rising relies on many instances of figurative language to capture Esperanza’s complex emotions and the vivid settings of the story. Storyboards can be a helpful way for students to explore these figurative meanings. Have students search for examples of metaphor, simile, personification, idiom, or hyperbole in the text. Next, ask them to depict each example and explain its meaning and significance below.
Examples of Figurative Language in Esperanza Rising
METAPHOR
"Wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand."
This means that Esperanza must be patient; in time, good things will come. Eventually, she finds happiness (the “fruit”) when she, Mama, and Abuelita reunite.
SIMILE
"When Papa was alive, everything was in order, like the dolls lined up in a row."
Like her beautiful, expensive dolls, Esperanza's life was picture-perfect before Papa's death. Everything happened just as Esperanza expected it to.
PERSONIFICATION
"Our land is alive...this whole valley breathes and lives."
This means the characters have an emotional tie to the land. The land brings food and prosperity to the valley. It provides jobs for the laborers and wealth to the owners.
IDIOM
"There is no rose without thorns."
This means that there is no life without difficulties. Esperanza encounters many thorns the year she turns thirteen.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Esperanza Rising.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify use of figurative language in the text.
- Put the type of figurative language (such as simile or metaphor) in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
Activity Overview
Esperanza Rising relies on many instances of figurative language to capture Esperanza’s complex emotions and the vivid settings of the story. Storyboards can be a helpful way for students to explore these figurative meanings. Have students search for examples of metaphor, simile, personification, idiom, or hyperbole in the text. Next, ask them to depict each example and explain its meaning and significance below.
Examples of Figurative Language in Esperanza Rising
METAPHOR
"Wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand."
This means that Esperanza must be patient; in time, good things will come. Eventually, she finds happiness (the “fruit”) when she, Mama, and Abuelita reunite.
SIMILE
"When Papa was alive, everything was in order, like the dolls lined up in a row."
Like her beautiful, expensive dolls, Esperanza's life was picture-perfect before Papa's death. Everything happened just as Esperanza expected it to.
PERSONIFICATION
"Our land is alive...this whole valley breathes and lives."
This means the characters have an emotional tie to the land. The land brings food and prosperity to the valley. It provides jobs for the laborers and wealth to the owners.
IDIOM
"There is no rose without thorns."
This means that there is no life without difficulties. Esperanza encounters many thorns the year she turns thirteen.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Esperanza Rising.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify use of figurative language in the text.
- Put the type of figurative language (such as simile or metaphor) in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the figurative language. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
How Tos about Identifying Figurative Language in Esperanza Rising
Use mentor texts to introduce figurative language
Start class by reading short passages from Esperanza Rising that highlight metaphors, similes, or personification. Discuss each example and its effect before students search for their own. This builds context and makes abstract concepts more concrete.
Model how to identify figurative language during a read-aloud
Read a section aloud and pause when you find figurative language. Think aloud about what type it is and what it means. This shows students how to spot and interpret these literary devices in real time.
Guide students in creating a figurative language anchor chart
Work together to make a chart listing types of figurative language, definitions, and new examples from the book. Display the chart as a class reference. This helps reinforce learning and supports ongoing identification.
Facilitate collaborative peer discussions on figurative language meaning
Pair up students to discuss the meaning and significance of an example they find. Encourage them to explain their thinking and listen to their partner’s ideas. This builds understanding and confidence.
Assess understanding with a quick exit ticket
Ask students to write down one figurative language example from the day’s reading and briefly explain its meaning. Review exit tickets to identify who needs more support. This provides immediate feedback and closure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Figurative Language in Esperanza Rising
What are some examples of figurative language in Esperanza Rising?
Esperanza Rising uses figurative language like metaphor ("the fruit will fall into your hand"), simile ("like the dolls lined up in a row"), personification ("the valley breathes and lives"), and idiom ("there is no rose without thorns") to deepen meaning and emotion in the story.
How can I teach figurative language using Esperanza Rising?
Have students identify examples of metaphors, similes, personification, idioms, or hyperbole in the text. Then, let them create storyboards illustrating each example and explaining its meaning and significance.
What is the best way to help students spot metaphors and similes in Esperanza Rising?
Encourage students to look for comparisons using "like" or "as" for similes, and direct statements equating two things for metaphors. Using examples from the book, have students highlight and discuss their findings in groups or with partners.
Why is figurative language important in Esperanza Rising?
Figurative language helps convey Esperanza’s emotions and brings the story’s setting to life. It allows readers to connect more deeply with the characters and themes by using vivid imagery and creative expressions.
How do I create a figurative language storyboard for Esperanza Rising?
Start by selecting three examples of figurative language from the text. Label each with its type, add a quote, and illustrate the meaning using scenes or characters. Use a combination of images and brief descriptions to show understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Esperanza Rising
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
