Storyboard That: Inside Out Figurative Language Lessons

Q: What are some examples of figurative language in Inside Out and Back Again?

Inside Out and Back Again features rich figurative language, such as similes and metaphors. Examples include “Like laundry being wrung dry” (simile), “Hovering like a blanket” (simile), and “like clusters of eyes, wet and crying” (simile), all of which help convey emotion and vivid imagery in the text.

Q: How can I teach figurative language using Inside Out and Back Again?

To teach figurative language with this novel, have students identify similes, metaphors, or personification within the text. Ask them to create storyboards illustrating each example, then write short descriptions explaining their meaning and effect.

Q: What types of figurative language appear in Inside Out and Back Again?

The novel contains similes (comparisons using 'like' or 'as'), metaphors (direct comparisons), and personification (giving human traits to non-human things). These devices create vivid mental images and deepen readers' emotional connections.

Q: Why is figurative language important in Inside Out and Back Again?

Figurative language helps readers understand the protagonist’s feelings and experiences on a deeper level. It adds emotional depth, paints powerful images, and makes complex events more relatable for middle school students.

Inside Out and Back Again Figurative Language

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

There are many examples of figurative language present throughout the novel Inside Out and Back Again. In this activity, students will identify figurative language such as similes, metaphors, personification, etc. and illustrate the examples from the text.

Examples of Figurative Language in Inside Out and Back Again

"Like laundry being wrung dry"
"Hovering like a blanket"
"Like clusters of eyes, wet and crying"
“How can we scramble away like rats, without honor, without dignity, when everyone must help rebuild the country?”
“Everyone knows the ship could sink, unable to hold the piles of bodies that keep crawling on like raging ants from a disrupted nest. But no one is heartless enough to say stop because what if they had been stopped before their turn?”

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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 storyboard that identifies figurative language such as similes, metaphors or personification found in Inside Out and Back Again. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify figurative language from Inside Out and Back Again you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.

Spider Diagram Template with 3 Empty Boxes

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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 in Inside Out and Back Again

"Like laundry being wrung dry"
"Hovering like a blanket"
"Like clusters of eyes, wet and crying"
“How can we scramble away like rats, without honor, without dignity, when everyone must help rebuild the country?”
“Everyone knows the ship could sink, unable to hold the piles of bodies that keep crawling on like raging ants from a disrupted nest. But no one is heartless enough to say stop because what if they had been stopped before their turn?”

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:

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify figurative language from Inside Out and Back Again you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.

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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

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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 Identifying Figurative Language in Inside Out and Back Again

Organize a classroom figurative language gallery walk

Set up student storyboards or illustrations around the room for a gallery walk. Invite students to walk, observe, and jot down examples and meanings of figurative language they see. This encourages peer learning and sparks engagement.

Assign peer partners to discuss interpretations

Pair up students to exchange their figurative language examples and explain their interpretations to one another. This builds understanding and helps students see multiple perspectives on figurative language.

Create anchor charts for common figurative language types

Work as a class to design anchor charts that list and define similes, metaphors, personification, and more. Post these charts in your classroom for easy reference during reading and writing activities.

Encourage students to write their own figurative language examples

Challenge students to create original similes, metaphors, or personification based on their own experiences. Share and celebrate these examples to reinforce creative thinking and comprehension.

Assess understanding with a quick figurative language quiz

Give students a short, targeted quiz using sentences from the novel or new examples. Ask them to identify the type of figurative language used. This checks mastery and guides your next steps for instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Figurative Language in Inside Out and Back Again

What are some examples of figurative language in Inside Out and Back Again?

Inside Out and Back Again features rich figurative language, such as similes and metaphors. Examples include “Like laundry being wrung dry” (simile), “Hovering like a blanket” (simile), and “like clusters of eyes, wet and crying” (simile), all of which help convey emotion and vivid imagery in the text.

How can I teach figurative language using Inside Out and Back Again?

To teach figurative language with this novel, have students identify similes, metaphors, or personification within the text. Ask them to create storyboards illustrating each example, then write short descriptions explaining their meaning and effect.

What types of figurative language appear in Inside Out and Back Again?

The novel contains similes (comparisons using 'like' or 'as'), metaphors (direct comparisons), and personification (giving human traits to non-human things). These devices create vivid mental images and deepen readers' emotional connections.

Why is figurative language important in Inside Out and Back Again?

Figurative language helps readers understand the protagonist’s feelings and experiences on a deeper level. It adds emotional depth, paints powerful images, and makes complex events more relatable for middle school students.

What is a simple lesson plan for teaching figurative language with Inside Out and Back Again?

A simple lesson: (1) Read selected passages, (2) Have students highlight figurative language, (3) Create visual representations or storyboards, (4) Write brief explanations, and (5) Share and discuss as a class to reinforce understanding.