Kira-Kira Figurative Language: Storyboard Lesson Plan (2025)

Q: What are examples of figurative language in Kira-Kira?

Kira-Kira features several examples of figurative language , including similes like “the tissues looked like giant butterflies” and “they talked like their mouths were full of rubber bands.” These creative comparisons help bring the story’s imagery to life.

Q: How can students identify similes and metaphors in Kira-Kira?

Students can spot similes and metaphors in Kira-Kira by looking for comparisons that use words like “like” or “as” (similes), or direct statements equating one thing to another (metaphors). Highlighting these phrases while reading makes them easier to find and discuss.

Q: What is the best way to teach figurative language using Kira-Kira?

The best way is to have students identify examples of figurative language in the text, illustrate them, and write short descriptions. This hands-on approach helps deepen understanding and encourages creative thinking.

Q: Why is figurative language important in Kira-Kira?

Figurative language adds emotional depth and vivid imagery to Kira-Kira . It helps readers connect with characters and settings by making descriptions more relatable and engaging.

Q: How can I create a figurative language storyboard for Kira-Kira?

To create a storyboard, first identify examples of similes, metaphors, or personification in Kira-Kira . Then, illustrate each example and write a brief description explaining its meaning or effect in the story.

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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 Kira-Kira. 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 Kira-Kira

Simile:"In a few minutes hundreds of tissues sailed over the cornfield ... the tissues looked like giant butterflies ... Lynn could take a simple, everyday object like a box of Kleenex and use it to prove how amazing the world is."
Simile: "It was funny how so many people ignored my mother, but they were all fascinated by this little Japanese baby. Then, when he grew up, they would probably ignore him and treat him like an ant!”
Simile: “I watched a swatch of the sky turn red. The red spread like blood in the sea: red, red, red, and then less and less red, until there was only blue left. I squinted as the sun rose. I must have fallen asleep, because when I woke up, my father was carrying me into the house."
Simile: "They talked like their mouths were full of rubber bands!"

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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 Kira-Kira. 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 Kira-Kira

Simile:"In a few minutes hundreds of tissues sailed over the cornfield ... the tissues looked like giant butterflies ... Lynn could take a simple, everyday object like a box of Kleenex and use it to prove how amazing the world is."
Simile: "It was funny how so many people ignored my mother, but they were all fascinated by this little Japanese baby. Then, when he grew up, they would probably ignore him and treat him like an ant!”
Simile: “I watched a swatch of the sky turn red. The red spread like blood in the sea: red, red, red, and then less and less red, until there was only blue left. I squinted as the sun rose. I must have fallen asleep, because when I woke up, my father was carrying me into the house."
Simile: "They talked like their mouths were full of rubber bands!"

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.

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

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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 Figurative Language in Kira-Kira

Organize a figurative language scavenger hunt in your classroom

Boost student engagement by creating a scavenger hunt where learners search the novel for similes, metaphors, and personification. This interactive activity helps students recognize figurative language in context while fostering teamwork and close reading skills.

Explain the rules and objectives to your students

Clearly outline the purpose: to find as many unique examples of figurative language in Kira-Kira as possible. Emphasize teamwork, careful reading, and creativity in identifying different types.

Distribute copies of Kira-Kira and assign small groups or pairs

Encourage collaboration by pairing students or grouping them. Each group gets a portion of the text or specific chapters to search for examples, so all content is covered efficiently.

Provide students with a figurative language checklist

Give each group a list of figurative language types to find—such as simile, metaphor, and personification. This keeps students focused and ensures they understand the differences between each type.

Have groups present their findings with supporting illustrations

Let groups share their favorite examples and explain why they chose them. Encourage visual representations through drawings or digital slides to deepen understanding and make learning memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language in Kira-Kira

What are examples of figurative language in Kira-Kira?

Kira-Kira features several examples of figurative language, including similes like “the tissues looked like giant butterflies” and “they talked like their mouths were full of rubber bands.” These creative comparisons help bring the story’s imagery to life.

How can students identify similes and metaphors in Kira-Kira?

Students can spot similes and metaphors in Kira-Kira by looking for comparisons that use words like “like” or “as” (similes), or direct statements equating one thing to another (metaphors). Highlighting these phrases while reading makes them easier to find and discuss.

What is the best way to teach figurative language using Kira-Kira?

The best way is to have students identify examples of figurative language in the text, illustrate them, and write short descriptions. This hands-on approach helps deepen understanding and encourages creative thinking.

Why is figurative language important in Kira-Kira?

Figurative language adds emotional depth and vivid imagery to Kira-Kira. It helps readers connect with characters and settings by making descriptions more relatable and engaging.

How can I create a figurative language storyboard for Kira-Kira?

To create a storyboard, first identify examples of similes, metaphors, or personification in Kira-Kira. Then, illustrate each example and write a brief description explaining its meaning or effect in the story.