Activity Overview
Holling uses many instances of figurative language when recounting his story in The Wednesday Wars. Many of his exaggerated claims or dramatic comparisons lend humor to his tale. 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 The Wednesday Wars
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration or overstatement for humor or emphasis |
"Of all the kids in the seventh grade at Camillo Junior High, there was one kid that Mrs. Baker hated with heat whiter than the sun. Me." |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | "She slashed through my answers with a broad swathe of bright red ink. It looked like my test was bleeding to death." |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | "I was to come to the Principal's office ... I headed off to Death Row." |
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | "There were the demon rats ... their eyes filled with the Big M - Murder! ... The faster I ran, the more their yellow hatred grew..." |
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 The Wednesday Wars.
- 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
Holling uses many instances of figurative language when recounting his story in The Wednesday Wars. Many of his exaggerated claims or dramatic comparisons lend humor to his tale. 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 The Wednesday Wars
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration or overstatement for humor or emphasis |
"Of all the kids in the seventh grade at Camillo Junior High, there was one kid that Mrs. Baker hated with heat whiter than the sun. Me." |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | "She slashed through my answers with a broad swathe of bright red ink. It looked like my test was bleeding to death." |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | "I was to come to the Principal's office ... I headed off to Death Row." |
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | "There were the demon rats ... their eyes filled with the Big M - Murder! ... The faster I ran, the more their yellow hatred grew..." |
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 The Wednesday Wars.
- 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 The Wednesday Wars
How to lead a classroom discussion on figurative language in The Wednesday Wars
Engage students by starting with open-ended questions about the figurative language they’ve found while reading. Prompt them to share examples and discuss why the author might have used each device.
Encourage students to make personal connections
Ask students to relate figurative language in the book to their own lives. Have them think of times they’ve used or heard similar expressions and share with the class.
Facilitate small group analysis
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a passage with figurative language. Let them collaboratively identify the device, its meaning, and its effect on the story.
Guide students to create their own figurative language examples
Invite students to write original metaphors, similes, or personification inspired by The Wednesday Wars. Encourage creativity and share their work with peers.
Wrap up with reflective questions
End the discussion with questions that help students reflect on how figurative language shapes the tone and meaning in the novel. This reinforces critical thinking and deeper comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Figurative Language in The Wednesday Wars
What is figurative language in The Wednesday Wars?
Figurative language in The Wednesday Wars includes literary devices like metaphor, simile, personification, idiom, and hyperbole used by Holling to add humor, emphasis, and vivid imagery to the story.
How can students identify figurative language in The Wednesday Wars?
Students can identify figurative language by looking for comparisons (similes, metaphors), exaggerations (hyperbole), and phrases where objects or ideas are given human qualities (personification) within the text. Highlighting and discussing these examples helps deepen understanding.
What are some examples of figurative language in The Wednesday Wars?
Examples include: Hyperbole: “Mrs. Baker hated with heat whiter than the sun.” Simile: “It looked like my test was bleeding to death.” Metaphor: “I headed off to Death Row.” Personification: “Their yellow hatred grew.”
What is an easy classroom activity for teaching figurative language using The Wednesday Wars?
Have students create a storyboard showing three figurative language examples from the book. Let them label the type (simile, metaphor, etc.), provide a quote, and illustrate each example. This visual activity is engaging and reinforces understanding.
Why is identifying figurative language important for middle school students?
Identifying figurative language helps middle school students improve reading comprehension, appreciate an author’s style, and develop skills to recognize deeper meanings and humor in literature.
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