Figurative Language in Where the Red Fern Grows

Q: What are some examples of figurative language in Where the Red Fern Grows?

Where the Red Fern Grows features figurative language such as similes (e.g., “He swelled up like a sitting hen”), personification (“His voice seemed to bore its way through the pillow”), and idioms (“He put his thinking cap on”). These help create vivid imagery and emotional impact in the story.

Q: How can I teach figurative language using Where the Red Fern Grows?

Have students identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language from the book. You can provide a list of examples or organize a ‘scavenger hunt’ as they read. Encourage students to explain the literal meaning and illustrate each example for deeper understanding.

Q: What is the difference between simile and personification in Where the Red Fern Grows?

A simile compares two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’ (e.g., “worked like a beaver”), while personification gives human qualities to non-human things (e.g., “The wind itself seemed to be angry”). Both are used throughout Where the Red Fern Grows to enhance descriptions.

Q: Why is figurative language important in Where the Red Fern Grows?

Figurative language adds depth, emotion, and vivid imagery to the narrative, helping readers connect with characters and setting. In Where the Red Fern Grows , it brings scenes to life and enhances students’ reading experience.

Q: What is a simple classroom activity for teaching figurative language from this book?

Assign students to create a three-cell storyboard showing different figurative language examples from Where the Red Fern Grows . Each cell should include the type, example, page number, literal meaning, and an illustration. This reinforces comprehension in a creative way.

Where the Red Fern Grows Figurative Language

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

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Lesson Plan Overview

The author uses many different types of figurative language throughout the story. Some other 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 Where the Red Fern Grows. 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.

Examples of Figurative Language from Where the Red Fern Grows

Page 15: “He swelled up like a sitting hen.” (Simile)
Page 17: “His voice seemed to bore its way through the pillow and ring in my ears.” (Personification)
Page 22: “All through that summer I worked like a beaver.” (Simile)
Page 33: “My straw-colored hair was long and shaggy, and was brushed out like a corn tassel that had been hit by a wind.” (Simile)
Page 44: “My face was as red as a fox’s tail.” (Simile)
Page 68: “He put his thinking cap on and thought the situation over.” (Idiom)
Page 79: “I was as nervous as Samie, our house cat.” (Simile)
Page 82: “A big grinning Ozark moon had the countryside bathed in a soft yellow glow.” (Personification)
Page 109: “The wind itself seemed to be angry at the big tree’s stubborn resistance.” (Personification)
Page 127: “When the wind started blowing, everything froze, leaving the ground as slick as glass.” (Simile)
Page 184: “It was no wonder that my heart was bursting with happiness. Wasn’t I the luckiest boy in the world?” (Idiom)

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Template and Class Instructions

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Due Date:

Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Write the type of figurative language in the heading.
Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.

Blank 3-Cell Storyboard Template by Storyboard That

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

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 from Where the Red Fern Grows

Page 15: “He swelled up like a sitting hen.” (Simile)
Page 17: “His voice seemed to bore its way through the pillow and ring in my ears.” (Personification)
Page 22: “All through that summer I worked like a beaver.” (Simile)
Page 33: “My straw-colored hair was long and shaggy, and was brushed out like a corn tassel that had been hit by a wind.” (Simile)
Page 44: “My face was as red as a fox’s tail.” (Simile)
Page 68: “He put his thinking cap on and thought the situation over.” (Idiom)
Page 79: “I was as nervous as Samie, our house cat.” (Simile)
Page 82: “A big grinning Ozark moon had the countryside bathed in a soft yellow glow.” (Personification)
Page 109: “The wind itself seemed to be angry at the big tree’s stubborn resistance.” (Personification)
Page 127: “When the wind started blowing, everything froze, leaving the ground as slick as glass.” (Simile)
Page 184: “It was no wonder that my heart was bursting with happiness. Wasn’t I the luckiest boy in the world?” (Idiom)

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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 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
Write the type of figurative language in the heading.
Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

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 Where the Red Fern Grows

Organize a classroom figurative language gallery walk

Transform your classroom into an interactive gallery where students showcase their illustrated examples of figurative language from Where the Red Fern Grows. This approach boosts student engagement and encourages peer learning as students view and discuss each other's work.

Set up display stations for student storyboards

Arrange desks or tables around the room and assign a space for each student’s storyboard. This creates a clear path for movement and ensures every student’s work is visible and valued.

Guide students to observe and take notes

Give students a simple observation sheet to jot down interesting figurative language, artistic choices, or questions about their classmates’ storyboards. This fosters active participation and sharpens analytical skills.

Encourage peer feedback and discussion

Prompt students to share feedback or ask questions at each station. Encourage them to use positive language and focus on how figurative language enhances meaning. This builds confidence and deepens understanding.

Wrap up with a class reflection

Lead a brief group discussion about what students learned from their peers’ work. Highlight creative uses of figurative language and how different interpretations can enrich comprehension of the text.

Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language in Where the Red Fern Grows

What are some examples of figurative language in Where the Red Fern Grows?

Where the Red Fern Grows features figurative language such as similes (e.g., “He swelled up like a sitting hen”), personification (“His voice seemed to bore its way through the pillow”), and idioms (“He put his thinking cap on”). These help create vivid imagery and emotional impact in the story.

How can I teach figurative language using Where the Red Fern Grows?

Have students identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language from the book. You can provide a list of examples or organize a ‘scavenger hunt’ as they read. Encourage students to explain the literal meaning and illustrate each example for deeper understanding.

What is the difference between simile and personification in Where the Red Fern Grows?

A simile compares two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’ (e.g., “worked like a beaver”), while personification gives human qualities to non-human things (e.g., “The wind itself seemed to be angry”). Both are used throughout Where the Red Fern Grows to enhance descriptions.

Why is figurative language important in Where the Red Fern Grows?

Figurative language adds depth, emotion, and vivid imagery to the narrative, helping readers connect with characters and setting. In Where the Red Fern Grows, it brings scenes to life and enhances students’ reading experience.

What is a simple classroom activity for teaching figurative language from this book?

Assign students to create a three-cell storyboard showing different figurative language examples from Where the Red Fern Grows. Each cell should include the type, example, page number, literal meaning, and an illustration. This reinforces comprehension in a creative way.