ELA An Easier Way: April 2018

Puns have always been a part my family.

They take a sharp mind and a degree of knowledge of the English language.

Or is there more to it?

Thinker At A Loss Consider Play Question M

The use of figurative language dates back as far as the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. Aristotle believed that figurative language was not as much a way to

embellish language, but more a verbal way to express how people think and process information in order to understand more complex concepts.

Think about it. When we try to explain a new concept, we often compare it to something that is known. I had no concept of Pickleball. Clearly, it did not involve a ball and pickles! I was able to gain a better understanding when it was compared to things I was familiar with: ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. I still do not understand the rules or could I go out and play Pickleball, but I have a much better basic understanding of the game.

Figurative Language is prevalent in our lives; not only through deliberate use of literary elements, but because the human brain reacts positively to similes, metaphors, puns, onomatopoeia, oxymoron's, and such when attempting to understand new concepts. As educators, we find ourselves having to come up with umpteen alternative ways to explain just a single concept. We offer comparisons, exaggerations, opposites, humor, personification, and rhyming/repetitive sounds as opportunities for students to make a connection.

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Similes

Your wonderful singing: You sounded like angles!

I'm soooo busy: Busy as a bee.

Noise level in the cafeteria: As loud as a screaming baby.

Metaphors

Class behavior: This place is like a zoo.

The technology lab: The computers are as old as dinosaurs.

Recess: The kids looked like monkeys on the jungle gym.

Hyperbole

Do you have any homework? A ton!

What is you mom going to do when she finds out you didn't study? She's going to kill me!

You eat so much! My stomach is a bottomless pit.

Oxymoron

Stop whining, you are acting like a big baby.

When you make that face you look pretty ugly.

That's a definite maybe.

I am listening to you, can't you see that I'm all ears?

Onomatopoeia

Sheep say "baa".

The snake will hiss at you if you get too close.

Cock-a-Doodle-Do!

Alliteration

The big bad bear bit the bike seat.

Mickey Mouse

She sells seashells at the sea shore.

Personification

Lightening danced across the sky.

The last piece of pie is calling me.

Time flies.

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Why Figurative Language is Important

Since figurative language is so prevalent in our daily lives, it is important to teach students to decipher their meanings. It may seem trivial to know the difference between a metaphor and a simile or between onomatopoeia and alliteration, but the need to understand their meanings is not trivial. Understanding figurative language is not only a sign of strong literacy skills, but allows us to better function in society.

Using Figurative Language

- engages readers

- creates pictures or word pictures

- makes complex concepts easier to understand

- allows a less complex way to explain a difficult concept

- adds elements, such as mood, tone, emotion, and humor, to writing

- makes places, events, and actions more relatable

- helps readers focus on the message, what the author is trying to convey

- strengthens writing

- is more compelling

Below are a couple of my favorite resources to teach figurative language.

~ IDIOMS ~