Activity Overview
“Zlateh the Goat” 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.
Figurative Language Examples
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | The wind whistled, howled, whirled the snow about in eddies. It looked as if white imps were playing tag on the fields. The moon swam in the sky as in a sea. |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | The wind became as cold as ice. |
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 "Zlateh the Goat".
- 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
“Zlateh the Goat” 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.
Figurative Language Examples
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | The wind whistled, howled, whirled the snow about in eddies. It looked as if white imps were playing tag on the fields. The moon swam in the sky as in a sea. |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | The wind became as cold as ice. |
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 "Zlateh the Goat".
- 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 Zlateh the Goat Figurative Language
Organize a figurative language scavenger hunt in your classroom
Boost student engagement by turning the search for figurative language into a fun, interactive scavenger hunt. Students actively hunt for personification and similes in the text, helping them internalize these concepts through movement and collaboration.
Divide students into small groups with clear instructions and roles
Assign roles like 'recorder,' 'finder,' and 'presenter' to each group. Clearly explain the task so every student knows what to look for—similes, personification, or other figurative language.
Provide copies of the text and set a time limit
Hand out passages from 'Zlateh the Goat' to each group. Set a timer (e.g., 10 minutes) to maintain excitement and pace as students search for examples.
Have groups highlight and share their findings aloud
Encourage each group to read their chosen example and explain which type of figurative language it represents. This promotes discussion and deeper understanding for everyone.
Display student findings on a classroom chart or digital board
Compile all discovered examples on a visible chart or digital tool. This creates a reference resource that students can revisit and adds a sense of accomplishment to the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zlateh the Goat Figurative Language
What is figurative language in 'Zlateh the Goat'?
Figurative language in "Zlateh the Goat" refers to the use of creative expressions like personification and similes to make the story more vivid, such as describing the wind as whistling or comparing its coldness to ice.
How can students identify figurative language in 'Zlateh the Goat'?
Students can find figurative language by looking for comparisons using 'like' or 'as' (similes) and places where objects or weather are given human traits (personification) in the story's descriptions.
What are some examples of personification in 'Zlateh the Goat'?
Examples of personification include descriptions like "The wind whistled, howled, whirled the snow about in eddies" and "The moon swam in the sky as in a sea."
How do you create a storyboard for figurative language activities?
To make a figurative language storyboard, choose three examples from the text, label each with the type (simile or personification), write the example, and illustrate it with characters and scenes that show the meaning.
Why is teaching figurative language important in 4th and 5th grade?
Teaching figurative language helps 4th and 5th graders better understand texts and express ideas creatively, building strong reading and writing skills for future learning.
More Storyboard That Activities
Zlateh the Goat
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
