Figurative Language Examples for Kids

Figurative language can be a tricky concept for most students, which means they need a lot of practice! Why not add this resource to your arsenal?

This set of 12 task cards has been designed to give your students practice in explaining the meaning of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, in context. Students must complete each task card and record their responses on the provided recording sheet.

For example: Which of the following statements is an example of personification?

a) The dog ran after the squirrel.

b) The bee danced from flower to flower.

c) The cheetah was lying in the warm sun.

(Spoiler alert: The answer is b!)

The types of figurative language used in this resource include simile, metaphor, personification, idiom, hyperbole and onomatopoeia.

Multiple Uses for Our Figurative Language Task Cards

Looking for some additional application options for this resource? Check out these great ideas!

• Use this resource as an English group activity by punching a hole in the corner of each task card and placing them on a binder ring. This helps to keep the cards together, and there is just something about flipping to the next card when it is on a ring. Students love it!
• Why not have a whole-class scavenger hunt in your classroom? Print off two copies of the task cards and cut them out. Hide the 24 task cards around the room when your students are not around. Hand each student a recording sheet and set them loose! As soon as they find a card, they answer it on their recording sheet, leave it in the same spot they found it, and then set off to find the others. You may want to make a rule of only one student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy!
• Use a few of the task cards as a quick warm-up or exit ticket. Find the two or three cards you want to use and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Have them write their answers on a sticky note along with their name for an easy formative assessment!
• Why not hang the cards up around the room and have your students complete a gallery walk? Assign a starting task card to each group and have them rotate around until they have completed each one.

Easily Download and Prepare This Resource 

Use the dropdown arrow on the Download button to select the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

Print one version of the resource, then copy the task cards on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Recording sheets can be placed into dry-erase sleeves and reused time and again!

This resource was created by Kelli Goffredi, a Teach Starter collaborator.