Activity Overview
The author uses many different types of igurative language throughout the story. Some examples of figurative language used include similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language in Underground to Canada. Teachers may 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 Figurative Language from Underground to Canada
- Page 5: “A strangeness spread like an uneasy quiet before the storm.” (Simile)
- Page 6: “Her lips drew firm and her eyes pierced deep into Julilly’s. In them was the sting that a bull whip makes and the hurt of a wounded possum”. (Personification)
- Page 12: “Their little bodies twitched like a wild bird she had caught once.” (Simile)
- Page 14: “Julilly watched. The chain became a silver snake.” (Metaphor)
- Page 21: “One day was swallowed by the next. And then the next.” (Personification)
- Page 32: “Julilly felt the coldness creeping over her. It squeezed her throat and made her breathing come in jumps.” (Personification)
- Page 51: “The thoughts in her head jumped around like grasshoppers.” (Simile)
- Page 64: “They were silent, but their thoughts were a cord binding them closer and closer together.” (Metaphor)
- Page 89: “It didn’t seem real when the yelping noise of hound dogs entered the safety of the sun-drenched barn, shooting through the air like an arrow.” (Simile)
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 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.
- 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 finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figurative Language Completion and Accuracy | Each figurative language element is correctly identified. There is at least one example provided for each element. | Most of the figurative language elements are correctly identified. A few may be incorrect or unclear. There is at least one example provided for each element. | Some of the figurative language elements are correctly identified, although some may be incorrect or unclear. Some examples and elements may be missing altogether. | Most of the figurative language elements are missing, unclear, or too limited to score. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate to the work of literature, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| Quotes | Quotes chosen for each figurative language element are appropriate, shortened with ellipses when needed, and are proofread. | Most of the quotes chosen for each figurative language element are appropriate and shortened with ellipses when needed. There may be some errors that reveal a lack of proofreading. | Some of the quotes chosen for each figurative language element are appropriate, but may be too long or too short. There may be some errors that reveal a lack of proofreading. | Most of the quotes chosen for each figurative language are incorrect, unclear, or too limited to score. There are too many errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics which reveal a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
The author uses many different types of igurative language throughout the story. Some examples of figurative language used include similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language in Underground to Canada. Teachers may 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 Figurative Language from Underground to Canada
- Page 5: “A strangeness spread like an uneasy quiet before the storm.” (Simile)
- Page 6: “Her lips drew firm and her eyes pierced deep into Julilly’s. In them was the sting that a bull whip makes and the hurt of a wounded possum”. (Personification)
- Page 12: “Their little bodies twitched like a wild bird she had caught once.” (Simile)
- Page 14: “Julilly watched. The chain became a silver snake.” (Metaphor)
- Page 21: “One day was swallowed by the next. And then the next.” (Personification)
- Page 32: “Julilly felt the coldness creeping over her. It squeezed her throat and made her breathing come in jumps.” (Personification)
- Page 51: “The thoughts in her head jumped around like grasshoppers.” (Simile)
- Page 64: “They were silent, but their thoughts were a cord binding them closer and closer together.” (Metaphor)
- Page 89: “It didn’t seem real when the yelping noise of hound dogs entered the safety of the sun-drenched barn, shooting through the air like an arrow.” (Simile)
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 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.
- 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 finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figurative Language Completion and Accuracy | Each figurative language element is correctly identified. There is at least one example provided for each element. | Most of the figurative language elements are correctly identified. A few may be incorrect or unclear. There is at least one example provided for each element. | Some of the figurative language elements are correctly identified, although some may be incorrect or unclear. Some examples and elements may be missing altogether. | Most of the figurative language elements are missing, unclear, or too limited to score. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate to the work of literature, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| Quotes | Quotes chosen for each figurative language element are appropriate, shortened with ellipses when needed, and are proofread. | Most of the quotes chosen for each figurative language element are appropriate and shortened with ellipses when needed. There may be some errors that reveal a lack of proofreading. | Some of the quotes chosen for each figurative language element are appropriate, but may be too long or too short. There may be some errors that reveal a lack of proofreading. | Most of the quotes chosen for each figurative language are incorrect, unclear, or too limited to score. There are too many errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics which reveal a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Figurative Language in Underground to Canada
Organize a figurative language gallery walk for your class
Transform your classroom into an interactive gallery walk where students display and explain their figurative language illustrations. This engaging activity helps students share their creativity and deepen their understanding by viewing peers' work.
Set up stations with student storyboards
Arrange desks or tables around the room and display each student's storyboard at a station. This setup encourages movement and allows students to examine a variety of examples closely.
Give students sticky notes for feedback
Provide each student with several sticky notes to leave positive comments or questions at each station. This promotes active engagement and peer learning.
Model how to give constructive feedback
Share examples of kind, specific feedback before starting. Emphasize looking for creative interpretations, clear explanations, and thoughtful illustrations.
Rotate groups and discuss favorite examples
Have students rotate through the stations in small groups. Afterward, invite them to share which figurative language examples stood out and why. This reflection reinforces learning and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language in Underground to Canada
What are some examples of figurative language in Underground to Canada?
Examples of figurative language in Underground to Canada include similes like “A strangeness spread like an uneasy quiet before the storm,” metaphors such as “The chain became a silver snake,” and personification such as “One day was swallowed by the next.”
How can I teach figurative language using Underground to Canada?
To teach figurative language with Underground to Canada, have students identify, illustrate, and explain three examples from the text. Use activities like scavenger hunts or storyboards to help students visualize and understand the meanings.
What is the purpose of figurative language in Underground to Canada?
The purpose of figurative language in Underground to Canada is to create vivid imagery, convey emotions, and deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters’ experiences and struggles.
Which types of figurative language appear in Underground to Canada?
Underground to Canada features similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia, enriching the narrative and making scenes more memorable for readers.
What is a simple classroom activity to help students understand figurative language in this novel?
Assign students a storyboard activity where they find and illustrate three examples of figurative language from the novel, explain their literal meanings, and describe the author’s intent. This supports comprehension and creative engagement.
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Underground to Canada
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