Figurative Language Minilesson

Minilesson
Topic: Introducing Figurative Language using The Song of the Trees
Grade: Fifth
Time: 30 minutes

1. Introduce the topic/share examples
-Share with students the definition of figurative language
-Provide examples of similes, metaphors, idioms that students are familiar with
*Read In a Pickle and Other Funny Idioms (Terban)
*If there are ESL students, make sure to scaffold the lesson, or include phrases in their native language, so they can better understand
-Have children think of examples of figurative language

2. Guided Practice – Whole Class
-Choose one of the funny idioms from the book and as a class create a meaning or the phrase
-Hand out a sheet of paper to each student and have them make a quick picture depicting the literal and figurative meanings of each word (do a teacher example on the overhead)
3. Group Work
-Divide into heterogeneous groups of four or five
-Give each group one of the following examples of figurative language from the book
*Have students use their own books to find the page, read the context, and create a group explanation of the phrase
*Give students chart paper and markers and ask them to make a pictorial depiction of the literal and figurative meaning of each phrase.
Phrases
a) .“Last one to it’s a rotten egg!” (page 15).
b) “I watched until it was settled amidst the tree’s featherlike leaves…” (page 12).
c) “The eart was draped in a cloak of gray mist…” (page 2)
d) “…as the sun chased the night away.” (page 2).
e) “The ripening corn, wrapped in jackets of emerald and gold, was gray.” (page 2)
f) “…I closed my eyes and awaited the whining of the heavy belt and its painful bite against my skin.”

4. Class Presentation
-Have student groups present their work to the class and hang it on the literacy wall, next to the chart paper definition of figurative language and examples of similes, metaphors and idioms
-When students are presenting, remind them to utilize the speaking GLCEs
*Those listening should apply the listening GLCEs