Descriptive Writing: Figurative Language Strategies

Listen to the full episode to hear figurative language strategies:

Bringing you descriptive writing strategies has been like Christmas morning to me, and today might be my favorite strategy of them all. Have you guessed it yet? It’s figurative language! In the last episode in the series about descriptive writing, I’m sharing my favorite and effective figurative language strategies. 

First, let’s get on the same page. Figurative language is defined as the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order in meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or comparisons. Since this descriptive writing idea deviates from literal meanings, it can definitely be tricky for students to understand. However, the use of figurative language is a powerful way to express language, written expression, and keeping readers engaged.

As I’ve stated throughout this series, keep exposing your students to the various descriptive writing elements, but keep it on their level. Meaning, start small and at a level they understand, then work your way to more complex components. Here are seven figurative language strategies to start using in your classroom today. 

1. Use figurative language in everyday speaking and writing
2. Use select mentor text
3. Read poetry
4. Go on a figurative language hunt
5. Finish the phrase
6. Figurative leads and figurative conclusions
7. Make it art

I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it one last time – writing is hard! It can especially be hard for students when they’re working on making it more descriptive, but I hope throughout this series, you’ve learned an abundance of ways to get your students to be more descriptive that will make their writing extremely powerful. Soon, it’ll become as easy as pie!

In this episode on figurative language strategies, I share:

• 7 figurative language strategies to start using in your classroom
• The importance of starting simple when exposing your students to figurative language
• A list of books you could use to show figurative language in your classroom
• How asking questions about the author’s use of figurative language in a text helps students understand its meaning and purpose
• The most natural way to incorporate figurative language for your students

Resources Mentioned:

• Figurative Language Anchor Charts and Posters
• Figurative Language Task Cards
• Descriptive Writing Anchor Charts Bundle
• Monthly Writing Prompts
• Episode 96, Descriptive Writing: Excellent Word Choice Strategies
• Episode 95, Descriptive Writing: Writing Leads and Conclusions Strategies
• Episode 94, Descriptive Writing: Show Don’t Tell Strategies

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About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind The Literacy Dive and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities.

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms. You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!