Standard: 6.L.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
Grade level: Grade 6
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students interpret figures of speech, such as personification, in context. Understanding figurative language is crucial as it enhances comprehension and appreciation of texts. It aids students in grasping deeper meanings and the author’s intent, which is essential for advanced reading and writing skills. Students should already be familiar with the basics of literal and figurative language, including simple figures of speech like similes and metaphors.
Mastering this standard will enable students to analyze more complex figurative language and understand its impact on meaning and tone in advanced texts, preparing them for higher-level reading and writing tasks.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that figures of speech should be interpreted literally. This is incorrect because figures of speech are meant to convey meanings beyond the literal words, often creating vivid imagery or expressing complex ideas succinctly.
Intervention 1
An effective intervention is to use visual aids and concrete examples to differentiate between literal and figurative language. Encourage students to create their own examples of figures of speech to solidify their understanding.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that personification is the only type of figure of speech. This is incorrect as there are many other types such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole, each serving different purposes in language.
Intervention 2
Introduce a variety of figures of speech through diverse texts and activities. Engage students in identifying and creating different types of figurative language to broaden their understanding.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of literal vs. figurative language and be able to identify simple figures of speech such as similes and metaphors.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to analyze more complex figurative language and its effects on meaning and tone in advanced texts.
Instructional Activities
- Read and analyze poems that use personification.
- Create a class mural with illustrations of different figures of speech.
- Write short stories incorporating various figures of speech.
- Conduct a scavenger hunt for figures of speech in books and media.
- Role-play scenarios using personification and other figures of speech.
