Figurative language is important for reading comprehension, and it’s fun to teach. Once students understand the difference between literal and figurative language, and how authors use figurative language, it adds depth and a lot of humor to reading. These figurative language anchor charts provide the support you need to help kids with metaphors, similes, and so much more. Make a few to hang in your classroom quicker than a cheetah on the hunt!
1. Figurative language 101
This chart includes definitions and examples of some of the major types of figurative language. The pictures are terrific memory aids.
Check out this basic anchor chart at Pinterest.
2. Literal vs. figurative language
Does it drive you nuts when kids use “literally” the wrong way? This chart might help! (Then again, it might not, but at least they’ll know the difference.)
Check out the literal vs. figurative language anchor chart at Pinterest.
3. SHAMPOO
Acronyms to the rescue! This simple chart gives students an easy way to remember seven of the most common types of figurative language.
Check out the Shampoo anchor chart at Pinterest.
4. Definitions and examples
This comprehensive chart serves as an excellent reference for students working on tricky terms. The examples are particularly helpful.
Check out the table-format anchor chart at Teaching with a Mountain View.
5. Figuratively speaking
Highlight some of the most used figurative language and provide multiple examples. Be sure to have students help you come up with the best ones to list.
Check out the figuratively speaking anchor chart at Teaching with a Mountain View.
6. Build your own anchor chart
Make a blank chart you can use with any text. Students add examples using sticky notes as they read.
Check out this anchor chart with student examples at Top Teaching Tasks.
7. Compare similes and metaphors
Similes and metaphors are similar, but the difference is in the key words “as” or “like.” This chart makes that as clear as crystal.
Check out this anchor chart comparing metaphors and similes at Pinterest.
8. Simile examples
It can be a little difficult for kids to tell similes apart from metaphors, this cute as a button chart gives lots of examples.
Check out this similes anchor chart at Lynsey Kuster.
9. Make metaphors clear
This chart provides a great (and fun) example of a metaphor. Challenge students to create their own metaphors using this one for inspiration.
Check out the metaphor anchor chart at Comprehension Connection.
10. Onomatopeia poem
Okay, maybe they won’t all be able to spell it, but they’ll definitely remember what it means! Onomatopoeia is everyone’s favorite type of figurative language.
Check out the onomatopoeia poem at Michelle Krzmarzick.
11. Onomatopeia examples
Pow! These illustrated examples make the meaning of this figurative language term easy and clear.
Check out this onomatopoeia chart at Pinterest.
12. Make it cute
The sweet illustrations on this chart really make it come alive. Can’t draw? Print some free clip art images instead.
Check out this super cute anchor chart at Pinterest.
13. Hyperbole is the best!
This is one kind of figurative language that definitely comes naturally to kids, even if they don’t know its name. They’ll love coming up with the best examples in the world!
Check out this hyperbole anchor chart at Pinterest.
14. Alliteration tongue twisters
Looking for an amazingly awesome alliteration anchor chart? Here it is! These hilarious tongue twisters will be a big hit with kids.
Check out the alliteration anchor chart at Its My Blog Y’all.
15. Explain idioms
Idioms become natural to us over time, but young students have to learn them. Use this chart, plus check out these 50 idioms every kid should know.
Check out the when pigs fly anchor chart at Ivy Morrison.
16. Symbols and symbolism
Being able to identify symbolism is an extremely important skill for students to develop as they grow older. Introduce the concept with this anchor chart.
Check out the symbolism anchor chart at Pinterest.
17. Use humor
Once students have mastered all the elements, create a cute anchor chart that aligns with your grade level’s humor.
Buy it: anchor chart at Etsy.
18. Keep it clear and crisp
Use a clean, crisp anchor chart to reinforce the definitions of different figurative language options.
Check out this anchor chart from Michelle Krzmarzick.
19. Create clear examples
Incorporate different colors to help organize the text so students can quickly get what they need from the anchor chart, a definition or example.
Get tutorial: Book Units Teacher.
20. Don’t forget older students
Older students can handle more complex examples of figurative language and more information about why authors use figurative language.
Get tutorial: Meadow Lane School.
21. Bring in pop culture
Figurative language is a place to get silly and creative. Using examples from pop culture, like this anchor chart does with angry birds, will help students remember each figurative language skill.
Get tutorial: anchor chart from Organized Classroom.
22. Engage with Examples
Engage students in creating your own anchor chart, like this one where students added figurative language and what it literally means.
Get tutorial: anchor chart with sticky notes at Life in 4B.
23. Support English language learners
Students who are learning English benefit from examples that are clear and concise, with images to support language learning, like this anchor chart.
Get tutorial: teaching ESL and figurative language at A Walk in the Chalk.
24. Connect with comprehension
Help students see when they should be thinking about figurative language, like when they are reading to understand theme.
Get tutorial: theme anchor chart at Reflection Wall.