Lesson Plan: Understanding Figurative Language and its Impact in Literature
Subject: English Language Arts
Grade Level: 8
Standard: NC ELA Standard RL8.4
Duration: 65 minutes per day (2 days)
Day 1: Introduction to Figurative Language
Objective
Students will understand and identify various types of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, and imagery, as applied in literature.
Materials Needed
- Printed excerpts from selected articles (see list below)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector
- Worksheet for figurative language practice
- Sticky notes for annotation
Agenda
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
- Begin by introducing the concept of figurative language. Explain how authors use it to create vivid images and convey deeper meanings.
- Provide examples of common figurative language types (similes, metaphors, personification, imagery).
2. Read Aloud (20 minutes)
- Read excerpts from the following articles that exemplify the use of figurative language:
- "The Power of Imagery in Poetry" (available from Poetry Foundation)
- "Metaphors We Live By" (available from The Atlantic)
- As the teacher reads, students will annotate the text on sticky notes, identifying examples of figurative language and making personal connections.
3. Discussion (10 minutes)
- Facilitate a class discussion about the excerpts. Ask students to share their findings and what impact the figurative language had on their understanding of the text.
4. Practice Exercise (10 minutes)
- Distribute a worksheet with sentences that include figurative language.
- In pairs, have students identify the type of figurative language used in each sentence and rewrite the sentences in literal terms.
5. Closing (10 minutes)
- Review key points from the lesson.
- Assign students to find a short poem or article at home that uses figurative language, which they will share in the next class.
Day 2: Analyzing Figurative Language in Depth
Objective
Students will analyze the impact of figurative language on the meaning and overall tone of literary works.
Materials Needed
- Students’ chosen poems or articles from home
- Projector
- Whiteboard and markers
- Figurative language analysis worksheet
Agenda
1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Ask students to share the figurative language examples they found as homework.
- Write a few examples on the board and categorize them.
2. Guided Analysis (15 minutes)
- Choose a poem or excerpt (e.g., "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost or an excerpt from "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton) and analyze it together as a class.
- Discuss how the figurative language enhances the themes and emotional tone of the piece.
3. Small Group Activity (20 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups. Each group will analyze a different excerpt (provided by the teacher) that uses various figurative language techniques.
- Using the figurative language analysis worksheet, groups will:
- Identify examples of figurative language.
- Discuss the effect on meaning and tone.
- Prepare a brief presentation to share their findings with the class.
4. Presentations (15 minutes)
- Each group will present their analysis to the class, highlighting their key findings.
5. Reflection and Closing (5 minutes)
- Ask students to reflect on how figurative language affects their reading experiences.
- Provide a closing thought about why understanding figurative language is essential for comprehension and appreciation of literature.
Assessment
- Participation in discussions and group work.
- Completion of worksheets and presentations.
- Following up with a homework assignment: Write a short story or poem using at least three types of figurative language.
Articles for Reading
- "The Power of Imagery in Poetry" - Poetry Foundation
- "Metaphors We Live By" - The Atlantic
- "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost - Poetry Foundation
- Excerpt from "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton.
This lesson plan effectively incorporates the NC ELA Standard RL8.4 by engaging students in identifying and analyzing figurative language, fostering deeper comprehension and appreciation of literature.