Sixth graders learn to tell language that means exactly what it says from figures of speech that mean something more, and sort real phrases into literal and figurative.
Students will be able to…
Sometimes words mean exactly what they say, and sometimes they mean much more. How do you tell literal language from figurative, and why does it matter?
Project this and sort each phrase into literal or figurative — tap a phrase, then tap where it belongs.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
If someone says it is “raining cats and dogs,” no pets are falling. How do you know when words mean exactly what they say?
Students sort literal and figurative phrases.
Students translate figurative phrases.
Students write both kinds.
Students reflect on the difference.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Interpret figures of speech in context.
Determine figurative and connotative meanings.
Distinguish literal from figurative language.
Use language knowledge when reading and writing.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students take one idea and write it both literally and figuratively, so they feel how figures of speech add meaning. A printable literal-and-figurative worksheet is in the English Language Arts library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.