Figurative Language and Other Literary Devices (Grades 5 - 8)

Using classic and some modern literature as examples, this book introduces and reinforces literary techniques. The following literary terms/techniques are covered: connotation, dialogue, dialect, imagery, idiom, simile, metaphor, allusion, personification, hyperbole, understatement, irony, sarcasm, oxymoron, paradox, symbol, pun, alliteration, and onomatopoeia. Each term is defined and then one or more examples are given in the form of excerpts from classic/modern literature. Simple exercises then have students identify, explain, or use the technique. For example, when discussing idioms, the book defines it, gives three examples from Anne of Green Gables, and then includes four excerpts (one from Treasure Island and three from Little Women) that have idioms in them. The idioms are bolded in the sentence and students must write what the idiom means in standard English. Most literary devices receive 2-3 pages of examples and exercises. The end of the book has a few exercises that review all the topics covered in the book, along with a glossary of literary terms and an answer key. Inviting reviews, examples, and exercises make this a great resource for teaching literary devices. Reproducible, 80 pgs, pb. ~ Rachel