Activity Overview
Despite being a nonfiction text, Volcanoes contains figurative language, including personification and similes. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying examples, and creating a literal or figurative portrayal of the figurative language.
- “In March 1980, Mount St. Helens awakened from its long sleep.”
- “The force of the eruption was so great that entire forests were blown down like a row of matchsticks.”
- “Earth’s crust is broken into huge sections like a giant cracked eggshell.”
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 Volcanoes.
- 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
Despite being a nonfiction text, Volcanoes contains figurative language, including personification and similes. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying examples, and creating a literal or figurative portrayal of the figurative language.
- “In March 1980, Mount St. Helens awakened from its long sleep.”
- “The force of the eruption was so great that entire forests were blown down like a row of matchsticks.”
- “Earth’s crust is broken into huge sections like a giant cracked eggshell.”
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 Volcanoes.
- 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 Volcanoes Figurative Language
How to Teach Students to Write Their Own Figurative Language About Volcanoes
Encourage students to create original similes, metaphors, or personification inspired by volcanoes. Model examples and discuss what makes them vivid and effective. Invite creativity by connecting volcano features to everyday objects or actions.
Brainstorm volcano features as a class
List parts of a volcano (lava, ash, eruption, crater) on the board. Guide students to describe each using their senses. This builds a shared vocabulary and sparks ideas for figurative language.
Model turning facts into figurative language
Take a scientific fact (e.g., "Lava flows down the mountain") and demonstrate how to turn it into a simile or personification, such as "Lava raced down the mountain like a wild river." Show your thinking out loud for transparency.
Guide students to write their own examples
Ask students to choose a volcano fact and help them craft a simile, metaphor, or personification. Encourage playful language and descriptive comparisons.
Share and discuss student examples
Invite students to share their figurative sentences with the class. Discuss what makes each one powerful and celebrate creative efforts. This helps reinforce learning and build confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volcanoes Figurative Language
What are examples of figurative language in the book Volcanoes?
Volcanoes includes figurative language such as personification and similes, like “Mount St. Helens awakened from its long sleep” and “forests were blown down like a row of matchsticks.” These phrases help readers visualize volcanic events in creative ways.
How can I teach figurative language using Volcanoes by Seymour Simon?
Use Volcanoes by Seymour Simon to engage students by having them identify and illustrate examples of figurative language found in the text. Assign students to create storyboards showing each example, labeling the type (simile, personification) and providing visual representations.
What is a fun classroom activity for figurative language and volcanoes?
A great activity is to have students identify three examples of figurative language from Volcanoes and create a storyboard for each. They can illustrate the meaning and label the type of figurative language used, making learning interactive and visual.
Why does nonfiction like Volcanoes use figurative language?
Nonfiction texts like Volcanoes use figurative language to make factual information more vivid and relatable. Techniques like similes and personification help students better understand and remember scientific concepts.
What is the difference between literal and figurative language in Volcanoes?
Literal language states facts directly, while figurative language uses comparisons or imaginative phrases. In Volcanoes, “Earth’s crust is broken into huge sections” is literal, while “like a giant cracked eggshell” is figurative, helping students visualize the concept.
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