Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Figurative Language: Teaching Idioms

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

4, 5

Overview

By developing a clear understanding of figurative language, students can further comprehend texts that contain metaphorical and lexical meanings beyond the basic word level. In this lesson, students explore figurative language with a focus on the literal versus the metaphorical translations of idioms. Through read-alouds, teacher modeling, and student-centered activities that are presented in the classroom, students will further develop their understanding of figurative language.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 4

    ELA21.4.10

    Interpret words and phrases, including figurative language, as they are used in a text.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.4.10

    Vocabulary

    • Interpret
    • Figurative language

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Strategies to identify word meaning in context.
    • Figurative language is a creative way to use words and phrases beyond their literal definition to explain or describe something.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Explain the meaning of words and phrases that are specific to the text.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Words and phrases, including figurative language, can have different meanings in different texts.
    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 5

    ELA21.5.12

    Interpret the meaning of words, phrases, and patterns as they are used in texts, including domain-specific and academic vocabulary and figurative language.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.5.12

    Vocabulary

    • Domain-specific vocabulary
    • Academic vocabulary
    • Figurative language

    Knowledge

    Student know:
    • Academic vocabulary is language that is more formal than spoken language.
    • Domain-specific vocabulary refers to words that are used specifically in school subject areas, like math, science, and social studies.
    • Figurative language is a creative way to use words and phrases beyond their literal definition to explain or describe something.
    • Strategies to determine the meaning of words, phrases, and patterns in text.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Interpret the meaning of domain-specific vocabulary, academic vocabulary, and figurative language as they are used in texts.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • There are multiple strategies they can use to interpret the meaning of academic and domain-specific vocabulary, including using context clues in the text, their background knowledge, the morphological structure of the word, and outside resources.
    • Words and phrases, including figurative language, can have different meanings in different texts.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    ReadWriteThink
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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