Activity Overview
Rich imagery engages the reader, and figurative language is one element that makes writing more interesting and vivid. In this activity, students choose a form of figurative language, such as metaphor, personification, hyperbole, or simile. Using a grid layout, students find 1-3 instances of that form of figurative language in the text and illustrate it using the Storyboard That library and Photos For Class. Students will enjoy blending the literal and figurative meanings!
Simile Examples
Simile - A Comparison Using 'Like' or 'As'
- "Downward, swift as sound, the spear plunged into a white shoulder."
- "His words fell upon the air like stones dropped into a deep well."
- "A school of fish swam by like silver arrows."
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 examples of figurative language in "Ghost of the Lagoon".
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify one form of figurative language, such as simile or metaphor, and type it in the title box on the left.
- Give a definition and example of the type of figurative language below the title box.
- Quote three examples from the text in the description boxes.
- 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
Rich imagery engages the reader, and figurative language is one element that makes writing more interesting and vivid. In this activity, students choose a form of figurative language, such as metaphor, personification, hyperbole, or simile. Using a grid layout, students find 1-3 instances of that form of figurative language in the text and illustrate it using the Storyboard That library and Photos For Class. Students will enjoy blending the literal and figurative meanings!
Simile Examples
Simile - A Comparison Using 'Like' or 'As'
- "Downward, swift as sound, the spear plunged into a white shoulder."
- "His words fell upon the air like stones dropped into a deep well."
- "A school of fish swam by like silver arrows."
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 examples of figurative language in "Ghost of the Lagoon".
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify one form of figurative language, such as simile or metaphor, and type it in the title box on the left.
- Give a definition and example of the type of figurative language below the title box.
- Quote three examples from the text in the description boxes.
- 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 Figurative Language in \"Ghost of the Lagoon\"
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Figurative Language in 'Ghost of the Lagoon'
Encourage deeper thinking by leading a class talk about figurative language examples from the story. Class discussions help students share interpretations and connect figurative language to meaning, boosting engagement and comprehension.
Prepare discussion prompts ahead of time
Create open-ended questions about metaphors, similes, and other figurative language found in the text. Prepared prompts guide students to think critically and express their ideas clearly.
Invite students to share their favorite examples
Ask each student to read aloud a figurative language example they found and explain why it stood out. Sharing personal choices builds confidence and shows the variety of interpretations in the class.
Connect examples to the story’s mood or themes
Guide students to discuss how figurative language shapes the mood or reveals key themes in 'Ghost of the Lagoon.' Making connections deepens literary understanding and makes analysis more meaningful.
Summarize key insights as a class
Wrap up the discussion by highlighting how figurative language adds richness to the story. Summarizing together reinforces learning and helps students remember what they discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language in \"Ghost of the Lagoon\"
What are some examples of figurative language in 'Ghost of the Lagoon'?
In 'Ghost of the Lagoon', figurative language includes similes like "swift as sound," metaphors, and personification. For example: "A school of fish swam by like silver arrows." These devices make the story more vivid and engaging for readers.
How can I teach figurative language using 'Ghost of the Lagoon'?
Use a storyboard activity where students identify types of figurative language in the text, such as simile or metaphor. Have them provide definitions, find examples from the story, and illustrate each one. This hands-on approach helps students understand both literal and figurative meanings.
What is a simple classroom activity for exploring figurative language in literature?
A simple activity is to have students find and illustrate examples of figurative language from a story, like 'Ghost of the Lagoon'. Students can use grids to organize the type, definition, and examples, then create visuals to reinforce understanding.
What is a simile, and how is it used in 'Ghost of the Lagoon'?
A simile is a comparison using "like" or "as." In 'Ghost of the Lagoon', similes appear in phrases such as "His words fell upon the air like stones dropped into a deep well." Similes help create vivid mental images for readers.
Why is figurative language important in middle school reading lessons?
Figurative language enhances comprehension and engagement by making texts more vivid and relatable. For middle schoolers, analyzing figurative language builds critical reading skills and helps students interpret deeper meanings in literature.
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