Figurative Language in A Mango-Shaped Space: Storyboard That

Q: What are some examples of figurative language in A Mango-Shaped Space?

A Mango-Shaped Space uses figurative language like similes ("as blue as a swimming pool"), personification ("the thunder fills the air with streaks of charcoal-black spirals"), and onomatopoeia ("bubble, bubble, simmer, fizz, and BOOM!"). These devices help readers visualize and feel the story's emotions.

Q: How can I teach figurative language using A Mango-Shaped Space?

To teach figurative language with A Mango-Shaped Space , have students search for and illustrate examples from the book, discuss their meanings, and identify the type (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.). A storyboard activity helps reinforce understanding through visual learning.

Q: What is a simple figurative language activity for middle school students?

Try a scavenger hunt where students find three examples of figurative language in the text, write what each means, and illustrate them. This promotes close reading and creativity, making abstract language more accessible.

Q: Why is figurative language important in A Mango-Shaped Space?

Figurative language in A Mango-Shaped Space helps express emotions, create vivid imagery, and deepen readers' connection to the characters and themes. It brings the protagonist's unique perceptions to life, making the story more engaging.

Q: What types of figurative language are found in A Mango-Shaped Space?

The novel features similes , metaphors , personification , idioms , and onomatopoeia . Each type adds depth and color to the narrative, helping readers experience the world through the main character’s senses.

A Mango-Shaped Space Figurative Language

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

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Lesson Plan Overview

The author uses many different types of figurative language throughout the story. Some other 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 Mango-Shaped Space. 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.

Examples of Figurative Language from A Mango-Shaped Space

Page 29: ”The thunder fills the air with streaks of charcoal-black spirals, and for a split second I think they’re trying to pound me into the ground.” (Personification)
Page 44: ”Roger’s sobs, however, are loud and clear and as blue as a swimming pool.” (Simile)
Page 50: “I’m viewing her through a jumble of colors that come together like lumpy oatmeal.” (Simile)
Page 57: “The bubbling up inside me has gotten too strong. I can feel it rising to the surface. Bubble, bubble, simmer, fizz, and BOOM!” (Onomatopoeia)
Page 60: “This conversation has taken an unexpected turn, and my head is going back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball.” (Simile)
Page 69: “I keep glancing at my mother, but she is wearing her just-be-patient face.” (Personification)
Page 75: “I lie down on the bed and let the silence seep into me like a cool breeze.” (Personification)
Page 110: “But if I couldn’t use my colors, the world would seem so bland - like vanilla ice cream without the gummy bears on top.” (Simile)
Page 197: “A sigh of relief escapes my lips.” (Personification)
Page 227: “My head is swimming and I feel like I am going to pass out.” (Personification)

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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 done.

Blank 3-Cell Storyboard Template by Storyboard That

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

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

Examples of Figurative Language from A Mango-Shaped Space

Page 29: ”The thunder fills the air with streaks of charcoal-black spirals, and for a split second I think they’re trying to pound me into the ground.” (Personification)
Page 44: ”Roger’s sobs, however, are loud and clear and as blue as a swimming pool.” (Simile)
Page 50: “I’m viewing her through a jumble of colors that come together like lumpy oatmeal.” (Simile)
Page 57: “The bubbling up inside me has gotten too strong. I can feel it rising to the surface. Bubble, bubble, simmer, fizz, and BOOM!” (Onomatopoeia)
Page 60: “This conversation has taken an unexpected turn, and my head is going back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball.” (Simile)
Page 69: “I keep glancing at my mother, but she is wearing her just-be-patient face.” (Personification)
Page 75: “I lie down on the bed and let the silence seep into me like a cool breeze.” (Personification)
Page 110: “But if I couldn’t use my colors, the world would seem so bland - like vanilla ice cream without the gummy bears on top.” (Simile)
Page 197: “A sigh of relief escapes my lips.” (Personification)
Page 227: “My head is swimming and I feel like I am going to pass out.” (Personification)

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 done.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Figurative Language

Copy Activity

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 Figurative Language in A Mango-Shaped Space

How can I help students write their own figurative language inspired by A Mango-Shaped Space?

Empower students to create original similes, metaphors, and personification after exploring examples from the novel. Writing their own helps deepen understanding and sparks creativity!

Model brainstorming with a class example.

Pick a moment from the book and think aloud how to turn it into a simile or metaphor. This shows students how authors use comparisons to make writing vivid!

Guide students to choose a feeling, object, or event from the story.

Ask each student to select something meaningful from the book—like an emotion, color, or scene—and jot it down as the topic of their figurative language.

Encourage students to experiment with different figurative language types.

Have students try writing a simile, metaphor, or personification about their chosen topic. Remind them to use 'like' or 'as' for similes, and to give human traits for personification.

Share and celebrate student examples as a class.

Invite students to read their creations aloud or post them on a class board. Celebrating each other's work builds confidence and reinforces learning!

Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language in A Mango-Shaped Space

What are some examples of figurative language in A Mango-Shaped Space?

A Mango-Shaped Space uses figurative language like similes ("as blue as a swimming pool"), personification ("the thunder fills the air with streaks of charcoal-black spirals"), and onomatopoeia ("bubble, bubble, simmer, fizz, and BOOM!"). These devices help readers visualize and feel the story's emotions.

How can I teach figurative language using A Mango-Shaped Space?

To teach figurative language with A Mango-Shaped Space, have students search for and illustrate examples from the book, discuss their meanings, and identify the type (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.). A storyboard activity helps reinforce understanding through visual learning.

What is a simple figurative language activity for middle school students?

Try a scavenger hunt where students find three examples of figurative language in the text, write what each means, and illustrate them. This promotes close reading and creativity, making abstract language more accessible.

Why is figurative language important in A Mango-Shaped Space?

Figurative language in A Mango-Shaped Space helps express emotions, create vivid imagery, and deepen readers' connection to the characters and themes. It brings the protagonist's unique perceptions to life, making the story more engaging.

What types of figurative language are found in A Mango-Shaped Space?

The novel features similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. Each type adds depth and color to the narrative, helping readers experience the world through the main character’s senses.