Figurative Language 4th Grade Unit

Lessons & Units

Lesson 1: Explaining the Plot and Predicting Using Idioms Use idioms to explain a plot and predict what will happen next in a story.

In a Pickle and Other Funny Idioms

Lesson 2: Interpretation of Similes and Metaphors Interpret the meaning of poems using similes and metaphors.

Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes

Lesson 3: Puns Identify and describe puns.

Rhyme and PUNishment: Adventures in Wordplay

As students read independent chapter books, have them write down any idioms they encounter. Then, have students identify the meaning of the idiom in the text.
Have students change metaphors into similes and vice versa in the poems from the lesson.
The Random House Book of Poetry for Children can be used to give students extra practice in identifying similes and metaphors in poetry. For example, “The Toaster” on page 217 contains a metaphor. “The Star” on page 33 includes a simile. Have students explain the meaning of each simile and metaphor.
Students can create their own idioms, explain their meanings and give examples of situations in which it would be appropriate to use the idioms.
Have students use similes and metaphors in creating stories in order to encourage more descriptive language.
Students can create their own puns. Have them illustrate the puns and write the real meanings of the words.
Throughout the day, try to use as many puns as possible when communicating with the class. Have a contest to see who can identify the puns you are using. Some examples could be:
- To write with a broken pencil is pointless.
- I wear glasses during math because it improves division.
- You’ll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.
- Our class globe means the world to me.