Storyboard That: Figurative Language in "A Gift of Chappals"

Q: What are some examples of figurative language in 'A Gift of Chappals'?

'A Gift of Chappals' includes figurative language such as similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia . These literary devices help bring the story to life and deepen the reader's understanding of the characters and events.

Q: What is a simple activity to teach figurative language using 'A Gift of Chappals'?

A great activity is to have students create a 3-cell storyboard . Each cell should highlight a different example of figurative language from the story, explain its type and meaning, and include an illustration. This makes abstract language more concrete and fun.

Q: Why is figurative language important in middle school literature lessons?

Figurative language helps students think critically about text, enhances creative expression, and builds analytical skills. It encourages deeper reading and helps students appreciate how authors convey meaning beyond literal words.

Q: How do you differentiate between simile and metaphor in 'A Gift of Chappals'?

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'as soft as velvet'), while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words (e.g., 'the wind was a whisper'). Both are used in 'A Gift of Chappals' to create vivid imagery.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

A Gift of Chappals has many examples of figurative language woven throughout the story. Some examples of figurative language that are used are similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language in A Gift of Chappals. Teachers may want to give the students a list of examples, or have them do a “scavenger hunt” either as they read or as an activity after reading.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Write the type of figurative language in the heading.
Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
Save and exit when you're finished.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Figurative Language

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Figurative Language in a Story

Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language from the story: metaphors, similes, personification, etc. Include the type of figurative language in the title box along with the quote from the story. In the description box describe what the figurative language means in the context of the story. Add appropriate illustrations for each.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Examples of Figurative Language	There are three examples of figurative language.	There are two correct examples of figurative language.	Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct.
Types of Figurative Language	All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other) in the title box.	Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other).	Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other).
Illustrations	Illustrations depict the example of figurative language from the story with clear visuals of appropriate scenes, characters, items, etc.	Illustrations depict the example of figurative language from the story but are unclear or incomplete.	Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen.
Descriptions	There are descriptions for all three example of figurative language that correctly explain what the figurative language means in the context of the story.	One of the descriptions is missing or the descriptions do not fully explain what the figurative language means in the context of the story.	Two or more descriptions are missing or they do not explain what the figurative language means.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Write the type of figurative language in the heading.
Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
Save and exit when you're finished.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Figurative Language

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Figurative Language in a Story

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Examples of Figurative Language	There are three examples of figurative language.	There are two correct examples of figurative language.	Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct.
Types of Figurative Language	All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other) in the title box.	Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other).	Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, or personification (or other).
Illustrations	Illustrations depict the example of figurative language from the story with clear visuals of appropriate scenes, characters, items, etc.	Illustrations depict the example of figurative language from the story but are unclear or incomplete.	Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen.
Descriptions	There are descriptions for all three example of figurative language that correctly explain what the figurative language means in the context of the story.	One of the descriptions is missing or the descriptions do not fully explain what the figurative language means in the context of the story.	Two or more descriptions are missing or they do not explain what the figurative language means.

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How Tos about A Gift of Chappals Figurative Language

Incorporate figurative language mini-lessons before reading

Boost understanding by teaching key types of figurative language with quick examples before starting the story. This helps students spot and interpret similes, metaphors, and more as they read.

Model close reading with think-alouds

Guide students by reading a passage aloud and pausing to notice and analyze figurative language. Explain your thinking so students see how to break down meaning in context.

Use anchor charts to track figurative language

Create a classroom chart to record examples of figurative language found in the text. Let students add new examples as they discover them, building a visual reference for all.

Facilitate peer discussion groups

Assign small groups to discuss and share the figurative language they identified. Encourage students to explain the literal meaning and why the author chose each expression.

Connect figurative language to students’ own writing

Challenge students to write short paragraphs or sentences using similes, metaphors, or idioms inspired by the story. This helps them apply new skills creatively and deepen understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about A Gift of Chappals Figurative Language

What are some examples of figurative language in 'A Gift of Chappals'?

'A Gift of Chappals' includes figurative language such as similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. These literary devices help bring the story to life and deepen the reader's understanding of the characters and events.

How can students identify figurative language in 'A Gift of Chappals'?

Students can identify figurative language by looking for comparisons, descriptive phrases, or expressions that are not meant to be taken literally. Teachers can provide a list of examples or have students do a scavenger hunt as they read the story, marking where they find similes, metaphors, or idioms.

What is a simple activity to teach figurative language using 'A Gift of Chappals'?

A great activity is to have students create a 3-cell storyboard. Each cell should highlight a different example of figurative language from the story, explain its type and meaning, and include an illustration. This makes abstract language more concrete and fun.

Why is figurative language important in middle school literature lessons?

Figurative language helps students think critically about text, enhances creative expression, and builds analytical skills. It encourages deeper reading and helps students appreciate how authors convey meaning beyond literal words.

How do you differentiate between simile and metaphor in 'A Gift of Chappals'?

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'as soft as velvet'), while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words (e.g., 'the wind was a whisper'). Both are used in 'A Gift of Chappals' to create vivid imagery.