Figurative Language | Grade 3 ELA

Florida B.E.S.T. Standard

ELA.3.R.3.1

Identify and explain similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, and hyperbole in text.

Simile

Compares using "like" or "as"

"fast like lightning"

Metaphor

Says one thing IS another

"you are a star"

Personification

Gives human traits to objects

"the sun smiled"

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration

"a million times"

Alliteration

Same beginning sounds

"silly Sally sings"

Onomatopoeia

Words that sound like meaning

"buzz, pop, crash"

Printable Resources

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Teacher Guide

5-day lesson plan, all 6 types explained, common misconceptions, question stems

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Student Concept Worksheet

Introduction to all 6 types with matching activity and practice problems

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Practice Worksheet

14 questions including storm passage analysis and creative writing

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FAST Practice Quiz

10 test-format questions with Winter Morning poem - mirrors actual FAST assessment

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Parent Activity Guide

Home activities with songs, books, and everyday language (includes Spanish)

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Answer Keys

Complete answers for all worksheets with explanations and scoring guide

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Teaching Tips for Figurative Language

Simile vs. Metaphor: The key is "like" or "as." Simile = comparison WITH like/as. Metaphor = comparison WITHOUT like/as.

Draw It Literally: Have students draw what figurative language would look like if taken literally (raining cats and dogs!).

Sound It Out: For onomatopoeia, have students make the sounds. For alliteration, use tongue twisters!

Find It Everywhere: Figurative language is in songs, ads, books, and everyday speech. Point it out constantly!