Grade 6Englisheasy
Figurative Language Adventures - Grade 6
An introduction to figurative language including similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms for Grade 6 students.
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Identify and distinguish between seven types of figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms) in given sentences and short passages
- Explain the meaning and purpose of each figurative language device using student-friendly language and real-world examples from their daily lives
- Create original sentences using at least five different types of figurative language with correct spelling and punctuation
- Analyze how figurative language makes writing more interesting and vivid compared to literal descriptions
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Review the introductory definitions. Before tackling the worksheet problems, read through the figurative language definitions together and discuss one clear example of each device. Use real examples from books, movies, or songs they know to build familiarity and interest.
- Step 2: Work through the first 3-4 problems as a guided practice. Complete these together as a class or small group, thinking aloud about which figurative language device is being used and why. This models the identification process and builds confidence.
- Step 3: Have students independently complete problems 5-12, checking in periodically. Allow them to reference the definition section or an anchor chart without penalty—the goal is understanding, not memorization at this stage.
- Step 4: Review the last 3 problems (typically the creation or analysis questions) together. These often require deeper thinking, so discuss student responses and celebrate creative examples of original figurative language use.
- Step 5: Extend the learning by asking students to find examples of figurative language in their independent reading or favorite media, sharing discoveries with the class. This reinforces that figurative language is used in real-world writing and communication.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Students often confuse similes and metaphors because both make comparisons. Reinforce that similes always use 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'brave as a lion'), while metaphors state the comparison directly without these words (e.g., 'the classroom was a zoo'). Have them create a visual anchor chart with both side-by-side for easy reference.
Many sixth graders struggle with personification because it requires them to imagine non-human things having human qualities. Use familiar objects from their environment—have them describe what emotions a tree might feel during a storm, or how a backpack might 'complain' when it's too heavy. This concrete approach makes the concept more tangible.
When teaching idioms, emphasize that they cannot be understood by looking at individual words alone. For example, 'raining cats and dogs' doesn't mean actual animals are falling. Create a classroom collection of 10-15 common idioms with illustrations so students can reference them throughout the unit.
A common mistake is that students think all descriptive language is figurative. Clarify that 'The red car is fast' is literal description, while 'The car is a speeding bullet' is figurative. Use side-by-side comparisons frequently to cement this distinction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is figurative language important for sixth graders to learn?
Figurative language skills help students understand the books and articles they read in class, appreciate creative writing, and express themselves more vividly in their own writing. Learning these devices also prepares them for literary analysis and deeper reading comprehension in middle and high school. Additionally, figurative language is used constantly in everyday communication—from song lyrics to social media—so understanding it helps them become more aware consumers of language.
My child confused a simile with a metaphor on the worksheet. How should I help them practice?
Create a simple two-column chart labeled 'Similes (with LIKE or AS)' and 'Metaphors (NO like or as).' Have your child sort 10-15 sentences you write together into the correct columns. Then challenge them to convert sentences between the two forms: 'The cat is as quick as lightning' (simile) becomes 'The cat is lightning' (metaphor). This hands-on sorting helps reinforce the key difference.
What should I do if my child creates sentences that don't quite make sense figuratively?
This is completely normal at this stage! Instead of correcting, ask clarifying questions like 'What do you mean by that comparison?' or 'What quality are you trying to show?' Often students understand the concept but need help with word choice or clarity. For example, if they write 'The homework is a million pages,' ask if they meant the homework felt endless or overwhelming. Then guide them toward stronger word choices that better express their intended meaning.
How can I help my child remember all seven types of figurative language?
Create a memory device or mnemonic together. For example, 'SHAPES' for Simile, Hyperbole, Alliteration, Personification, Exaggeration (another word for hyperbole), and Sense words (onomatopoeia). Or create drawings and labels for each device. The act of creating the memory tool together actually helps with retention more than just studying a list. You might also dedicate one day per week to focusing on just 1-2 devices rather than trying to master all seven at once.
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