Activity Overview
Personification is when a writer gives human characteristics or actions to something nonhuman. As students read Full Cicada Moon, they will come across several examples of this type of figurative language. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate at least three examples of personification. Teachers may ask the kids to illustrate the phrase literally, as it’s intended in the text, or both. The example spider map for this activity shows the literal interpretation of each example of personification. Teachers may also want to give the students a list of examples, or have them do a “scavenger hunt” either as they read, or as an activity after reading.
Examples of Personification from Full Cicada Moon
Page 7: The Full Wolf Moon. It has chased us outside the bus window all the way from Boston.
Page 8: I wish all my dreams will hatch.
Page 14: The icy air pinches my cheeks but my heart is warm.
Page 20: Stars - bright, cold, voiceless - are winking.
Page 22: Thursday is the only day that doesn’t have a personality, so today it borrowed Saturday’s.
Page 60: Mama likes my hair pulled back tight and neat, but a few curls always escape.
Page 94: Instead of falling quietly, now it (the snow) races to the ground hard and determined.
Page 104: And when I press my face against the cold pane, my tears turn into crystals.
Page 145: The moon, so close. It’s peering back at me.
Page 186: I have no words left. They’ve drifted away into the vast, expanding loneliness of space.
Page 213: Those words just traveled around the world.
Page 279: A ghost of light grows in the fog as Mama opens the back door.
Page 353: My heart is pounding out of my chest.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map illustrating and describing three examples of personification in the text.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Personification | There are three examples of personification. | There are two correct examples of personification. | Only one of the examples of personification is correct. |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict the example of personification from the story with clear visuals of appropriate scenes, characters, items, etc. | Illustrations depict the example of personification from the story but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
| Descriptions | There are descriptions for all three example of personification that correctly explain what the personification means in the context of the story. | One of the descriptions is missing or the descriptions do not fully explain what the personification means in the context of the story. | Two or more descriptions are missing or they do not explain what the personification means. |
Activity Overview
Personification is when a writer gives human characteristics or actions to something nonhuman. As students read Full Cicada Moon, they will come across several examples of this type of figurative language. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate at least three examples of personification. Teachers may ask the kids to illustrate the phrase literally, as it’s intended in the text, or both. The example spider map for this activity shows the literal interpretation of each example of personification. Teachers may also want to give the students a list of examples, or have them do a “scavenger hunt” either as they read, or as an activity after reading.
Examples of Personification from Full Cicada Moon
Page 7: The Full Wolf Moon. It has chased us outside the bus window all the way from Boston.
Page 8: I wish all my dreams will hatch.
Page 14: The icy air pinches my cheeks but my heart is warm.
Page 20: Stars - bright, cold, voiceless - are winking.
Page 22: Thursday is the only day that doesn’t have a personality, so today it borrowed Saturday’s.
Page 60: Mama likes my hair pulled back tight and neat, but a few curls always escape.
Page 94: Instead of falling quietly, now it (the snow) races to the ground hard and determined.
Page 104: And when I press my face against the cold pane, my tears turn into crystals.
Page 145: The moon, so close. It’s peering back at me.
Page 186: I have no words left. They’ve drifted away into the vast, expanding loneliness of space.
Page 213: Those words just traveled around the world.
Page 279: A ghost of light grows in the fog as Mama opens the back door.
Page 353: My heart is pounding out of my chest.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map illustrating and describing three examples of personification in the text.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Personification | There are three examples of personification. | There are two correct examples of personification. | Only one of the examples of personification is correct. |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict the example of personification from the story with clear visuals of appropriate scenes, characters, items, etc. | Illustrations depict the example of personification from the story but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
| Descriptions | There are descriptions for all three example of personification that correctly explain what the personification means in the context of the story. | One of the descriptions is missing or the descriptions do not fully explain what the personification means in the context of the story. | Two or more descriptions are missing or they do not explain what the personification means. |
How Tos about Figurative Language in Full Cicada Moon
Organize a classroom gallery walk for sharing personification projects
Invite students to display their spider maps around the classroom and encourage them to walk around, review each other's work, and leave positive feedback or questions on sticky notes. This builds confidence and helps students learn from each other's examples.
Set clear expectations for gallery walk behavior
Explain that students should be respectful, give thoughtful comments, and handle classmates' materials with care. Setting ground rules helps maintain a supportive environment where everyone feels safe sharing.
Model how to give constructive feedback
Demonstrate leaving a kind, specific comment such as, "I liked how you illustrated the icy air pinching cheeks!" This shows students how to focus on positive observations and ask questions to deepen understanding.
Guide students in reflecting on feedback received
After the gallery walk, give students a few minutes to read the feedback on their work and reflect on one thing they might improve or one idea they want to try next time. This encourages growth mindset and self-assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language in Full Cicada Moon
What are some examples of personification in Full Cicada Moon?
Full Cicada Moon uses personification to bring nonhuman things to life. Examples include the moon 'chasing' the bus, icy air that 'pinches' cheeks, stars 'winking,' and Thursday 'borrowing' Saturday’s personality. These descriptions help readers visualize and connect emotionally with the story.
How can I teach personification using Full Cicada Moon?
Ask students to identify and illustrate at least three examples of personification from the text. Encourage them to explain the literal and figurative meanings, then draw scenes showing both. This hands-on activity builds understanding and engagement.
What is personification and why is it important in literature?
Personification is a figurative language technique where human traits are given to nonhuman things. It makes writing more vivid and relatable, helping readers connect with objects, nature, or ideas on a deeper level.
What’s a simple activity for students to find figurative language in a novel?
Have students do a 'scavenger hunt' for figurative language while reading. They can note examples, page numbers, and meanings, then share with the class or illustrate them. This activity boosts observation and comprehension skills.
How do you make a spider map to illustrate personification examples?
Start by placing the main concept, like 'Personification in Full Cicada Moon,' in the center. Branch out with three examples, adding descriptions, page numbers, and simple drawings for each. This visual organizer helps students break down and understand figurative language.
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