Figurative language is a big topic, but it’s also a whole lot of fun to teach. And once kids understand the different types, it adds a whole lot of depth to their reading comprehension. 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 soon!
1. Figurative Language Basics
This chart includes definitions and examples of some of the major types of figurative language. The pictures are terrific memory aids.
Source: Angela A-W/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.)
Source: Jodi Bailey/Pinterest
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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.
Source: Pinterest
4. Definitions and Examples
This comprehensive chart serves as an excellent reference for students working on tricky terms. The examples are particularly helpful.
Source: Figurative Language/Teaching With a Mountain View
5. Figuratively Speaking
Highlight some of the biggest types and provide multiple examples. Be sure to have students help you come up with the best ones to list.
Source: Figuratively Speaking/Teaching With a Mountain View
6. Sticky Note Examples
Make a blank chart you can use with any text. Students add examples using sticky notes as they read.
Source: Top Teaching Tasks
7. Similes and Metaphors
Similes and metaphors are very similar, but the difference is in the key words “as” or “like.” This chart makes that clear and simple.
Source: Metaphors and Similes, Kristin Lewis/Pinterest
8. Similes Examples
Since it can be a little difficult for kids to tell similes apart from metaphors, a chart like this full of examples is bound to be helpful.
Source: Lyndsey 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.
Source: Comprehension Connection
10. Onomatopoeia 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.
Source: ELA Anchor Charts
11. Onomatopoeia Examples
Pow! These illustrated examples make the meaning of this figurative language term easy and clear.
Source: Becca Jones/Pinterest
12. Personification
The sweet illustrations on this chart really make it come alive. Can’t draw? Print some free clip art images instead.
Source: Personification, Kristin Lewis/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 examples!
Source: Taylor Myers/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.
Source: Skinned Knees & Shoelaces
15. When Pigs Fly 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.
Source: A Walk in My Shoes
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.
Source: Mandy Neal/Pinterest
Looking for more ideas like these figurative language anchor charts? Try these 40 anchor charts that nail reading comprehension.
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