Faced with preparing students for standardized tests, teachers often find themselves running out of time to teach other lessons like figurative language. All it takes is ten to fifteen minutes at the beginning of a class to help students learn these important concepts.
Similes and Metaphors Mini Lessons
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as." Example: My love is like a rose. A metaphor, on the other hand, does not use "like" or "as," but still provides a comparison between two objects. Example: When it comes to ice cream, he is a pig.
To use as bell work activities, write five sentences on the board that contain similes. Have students copy the sentences, then underline the similes. When students have completed the task, discuss the comparison between the two objects and why the comparison can be made.
The next day, write five sentences containing metaphors. Again, have students copy the sentences and underline the metaphors. Follow up with class discussion on the comparisons. Similes and metaphors can be alternated throughout the week.
On the last day of the week, have students write their own similes and metaphors. They can then select their best comparisons and illustrate them. Some students may still use "like" or "as" and call it a metaphor. Make sure to take their comparison and word it correctly so they understand the difference between the two.
If students are still having problems with the concept, another week of bell work on similes and metaphors may be required.
Personification Class Starters
Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities are given to non-human things like animals, objects, or ideas. Example: The tree's branches danced in the wind. Branches are not human, but by describing them as dancing, a more distinct image comes to mind.
To use as bell work, write a series of sentences on the board, some with personification, and some without. Have students identify the sentences that do contain personification. Discuss all of the sentences so students hear the logic behind the imagery.
Alliteration as Bell Work
A fun type of figurative language for students to learn is alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. For one day of bell work, have students write down their favorite tongue twister. Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.
Explain that the repetition of sounds in those tongue twisters creates a melody or establishes a mood. Tell students that these fun sayings can also be called alliteration.
On subsequent days, simply write the following directions on the board:
Create a tongue twister using the letter _________.
Any letter or sound can be used in the blank. Don't forget to include blends such as sh, ch, th, and so on. Of course, allow students the opportunity to share their creations.
Bell work does not have to be mundane and unproductive. Figurative language lessons with similes, metaphors, personification, and alliteration can be used as needed to reinforce or review the skills. The activities can be fun, educational, and just the ticket to getting students to go into class and start working.
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Doris Keeler - Doris is an 8th grade language arts teacher who specializes in teaching students the art of writing. Under her direction, the writing plan ...
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