Matilda uses several examples of figurative language including similes and personification. In this activity, students will directly quote an example of figurative language from the text. Students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal and/or figurative portrayal of the language:
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Matilda.
Help students recognize and remember figurative language by setting up a vibrant word wall. Post examples from Matilda and add student contributions to make the wall interactive and engaging.
Choose three to five vivid examples from your classroom text to get started. Use quotes that are easy for students to visualize or connect with for greater impact.
Encourage students to find or create figurative phrases while reading independently or in groups. This practice deepens comprehension and makes learning collaborative.
Have students draw literal or figurative representations for each word or phrase. Displaying their work reinforces understanding and builds classroom pride.
Update the wall with new examples from different texts or genres throughout the year. This keeps the learning fresh and relevant for your students.
Matilda uses figurative language like similes and personification. Examples include similes such as "rociando trozos de patata a la inglesa de su boca como copos de nieve" and "tan blanco como el papel," as well as personification like "la atmósfera...se vibra con torpeza y secretos."
To teach figurative language with Matilda, have students identify similes and personification in the text, quote them, label the type, and draw literal or figurative illustrations. This helps students recognize and understand figures of speech in context.
A simile compares two things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "tan blanco como el papel"). Personification gives human qualities to non-human things (e.g., "la atmósfera...se vibra con torpeza y secretos"). Both appear in Matilda to make descriptions more vivid.
Recognizing figurative language helps students better understand the author's intent, visualize scenes, and develop deeper reading comprehension skills. It also enhances creativity and critical thinking in analyzing texts.
An easy activity is to have students find three examples of figurative language in Matilda, label each type (simile, personification), quote the text, and illustrate the meaning. This can be done individually or with partners for grades 4–5.