Figurative language is the term given for words which are used creatively to convey meaning beyond their literal sense. The purpose of figurative language is to enhance imagery and engage the reader. Though the use of figurative language is often linked to description, it is used across a range of genres and text types.
The national curriculum for English requires pupils in years 5 and 6 to 'discuss and evaluate how authors use language, including figurative language, considering the impact on the reader.' Pupils in years 3 and 4 are required to 'discuss words and phrases that capture the reader’s interest and imagination'. This is likely to include deciphering figurative language.
Considering the meanings behind figurative language helps pupils with reading comprehension and also helps them learn to express their own ideas in writing. This blogpost explores the main types of figurative language which are taught in KS2. It contains resource suggestions and also includes a free figurative language PPT which teachers can use to explain key terms.
Figurative Language Basics
There are many different types of figurative language. The most commonly discussed type of figurative language in primary schools is similes which is often swiftly followed by metaphors. These terms are often introduced in KS2 and are sometimes discussed in upper KS1. Other commonly introduced figurative language terms in primary include hyperbole, onomatopoeia, personification and idioms. Click the button below to view a BBC bitesize article which can be used in class to discuss some of these terms.
Similes and Metaphors
Similes compare one thing to another using words such as 'like' or 'as' (e.g. 'as brave as a lion'), while metaphors describe something as if it were something else (e.g. 'the classroom was a zoo'). Click below to view details of our Similes and Metaphors PPT lesson.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate sounds, such as 'bang', 'crash' or 'sizzle'. Onomatopoeic words can bring stories and poems to life, making descriptions more lively and engaging. Click below to view details of our onomatopoeia teaching PPT.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the use of exaggerated statements for effect. An example of this would be 'I've told you a million times!'. Teaching hyperbole helps pupils understand how exaggeration can be used to emphasise feelings or create humour. Click below to view details of our hyperbole teaching pack.
Personification
Personification involves giving human qualities to non-human things, such as 'the daffodils danced'. It can often be found in poetry and pupils could try using in their own writing to create atmosphere and mood. Through activities like writing poems or descriptive paragraphs, pupils can learn how personification can make their writing more evocative and engaging. To find texts which use personification and activities which will help pupils to explore using it, click on the images below.
Idioms
Idioms are phrases whose meanings are not literal, such as 'it's raining cats and dogs.' Teaching idioms often involves exploring their origins and practising using them in context, which supports vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Click below to find a lesson which will help your pupils to understand their use.
Looking for a way to quick way to introduce figurative language to your pupils? Download our freebie PPT which explains key terms and contains discussion points. Click the image on the left below for instant download.
To find a great-value resource which contains all of the PPTs referred to in this article in a bundle, click the image on the right below. This easy-to-use resource contains 5 lessons which could be combined to make a figurative language teaching unit which would last a week. Each PPT is 10 slides or more and contains examples and activities. The colourful, engaging PPTs contained in the bundle are adaptable and straightforward to use.
Figurative Language Freebie!
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