The author uses many different types of figurative language 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 Fish in a Tree. 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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Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard, illustrating and describing three examples of figurative language in the text.
Student Instructions:
Create a colorful anchor chart for figurative language types. Display similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia with student-friendly definitions and examples from Fish in a Tree. Refer to the chart during reading to reinforce learning and spark class discussions.
Read a passage aloud and pause when you encounter figurative language. Think aloud as you identify the type and discuss its meaning. This modeling helps students learn to spot and interpret figurative language independently.
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a chapter or set of pages. Challenge them to find and record figurative language examples, type, and literal meaning. Share findings with the class to build a comprehensive list together.
Invite students to write a short scene or description using at least two types of figurative language studied. Encourage creativity and peer sharing. Highlight how figurative language enhances writing and understanding.
Ask students at the end of class to write one example of figurative language from today’s lesson and explain its meaning. Collect these exit tickets to quickly gauge understanding and identify students who may need extra support.
Fish in a Tree uses many types of figurative language, including similes like “Teachers are like the machines that take quarters for bouncy balls,” metaphors such as “I turn myself to stone,” and personification like “The guy’s smile falls off of his face.” These examples add vivid imagery and help readers connect with the characters’ emotions.
To teach figurative language with Fish in a Tree, have students find and illustrate examples from the text, discuss what each means, and identify its type (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.). Activities like scavenger hunts or storyboards make the learning interactive and engaging.
Fish in a Tree features similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. These devices help the author express characters’ feelings and create powerful imagery for readers.
Figurative language brings the story to life by making descriptions more vivid and helping readers empathize with the characters. It deepens understanding of the themes and emotions in Fish in a Tree.
Try a storyboard activity where students illustrate and explain three examples of figurative language from the book. This helps them identify language types and understand their meanings in context.