After explaining the different types of figurative language to your students, have them demonstrate what they have learned by creating a game that encourages them to compete with one another. Divide your students into groups, and ask each group to search through a poem or story you have read as a class in order to find different examples of figurative language. Choose a particular type of figurative language for them to hunt for, such as hyperbole. After you have played several rounds by using different types of figurative language, count up the number of correct answers per group. The group with the most answers wins the competition.
In order to emphasize the differences between similes and metaphors, ask your students to create a poem using either metaphors or similes, but not both, to describe their family. For example: My family lives in a bird's nest. Dad is the strong branch that holds us. Mom is the soft pine needles and leaves that makes us feel safe and warm. Ask students to share what they have written with their classmates, and have them determine whether or not the poem uses metaphors or similes.
Choose a poem to read aloud to your students. Be sure to use a poem that has many examples of figurative language and imagery. After reading the poem, ask the students to draw a picture of an image or scene from the poem. Have students share their pictures when they are finished, and ask students to explain their artistic choices.
As a class, have students help you create a list of as many idioms as they can think of, and list them on the chalkboard. Partner students up and ask them to create their own original idioms. Have them choose their favorite two idioms to illustrate on poster board and share with the class.