Bridge to Terabithia is full of figurative language, especially similes. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying examples and creating a literal or portrayal of the figurative language.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Bridge to Terabithia.
Encourage creative writing by having students craft original similes related to the book's themes or characters. This activity deepens understanding of figurative language and helps students connect personally with the story.
Review what a simile is and how it compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'. This ensures all students have a clear foundation before creating their own examples.
Think aloud as you come up with similes about a character or setting from the book. For example, say, 'Jess ran as fast as a cheetah.' Demonstrate the process so students feel confident to try on their own.
Circulate as students write, offering encouragement and specific feedback. Suggest ways to make comparisons more vivid or connected to the story.
Invite students to read their favorite simile aloud. Applaud their creativity and discuss how these new similes add to the understanding of the book and figurative language.
Bridge to Terabithia uses many forms of figurative language, especially similes. Examples include: “Momma would be as mad as flies in a fruit jar,” “They would follow him around like a country-music star,” and “like an astronaut wandering about on the moon.”
Have students identify similes and metaphors in the text, explain their meanings, and create storyboards that illustrate these phrases. This helps students connect figurative language to the narrative and deepen comprehension.
A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'. In Bridge to Terabithia, phrases like “as mad as flies in a fruit jar” show characters' emotions by drawing vivid comparisons.
Figurative language makes stories more engaging by helping readers visualize scenes and understand characters’ feelings. In Bridge to Terabithia, it deepens emotional impact and supports literacy skills.
Ask students to find three similes in the book, write them down, and draw a scene that shows each simile’s literal meaning. This fun activity reinforces understanding through creativity.