Tuesday, July 28, 2026

(Three) Zero-Prep Figurative Language Tools Every Middle School ELA Teacher Needs

 


They are funny. They are interesting. We have to admit it, memes can be engaging.  Have you ever thought about using them to teach figurative language? This post features three ways to build interest and cover important ELA skills.

IDEA #1:  USE MEMES


Click the image, or click here. Memes can be a great educational tool because they often have a play on words.

The good news is that you can have students dig even deeper to analyze why the author used a specific type of figurative language and how its use impacts the tone and overall text.

State assessments want students to know figurative language at this type of level. To access the rest of my task cards that cover a variety of literary devices including hyperbole, personification, metaphors, similes, allusions, and more Click Here



IDEA #2:  USE CHEAT SHEETS
When a student thinks they already know the answer to a question, they automatically become even more engaged.  

Sometimes a cheat sheet is exactly what a student needs to boost their confidence.  Click here to access this free figurative language cheat sheet that lists the types of figurative language and provides an example.  Give each student a copy to go into their folders.  They can reference the sheet each time they read a new novel or story.

IDEA #3 TEACH IN TINY PIECES

Teaching important language and literature skills a little over time and adding periodical review is very key.  Using a quick, daily practice can help.




Above is a sample from the seventh grade level of Daily Core Reading Practice. When students enter the classroom, they spend just ten minutes reviewing short passages that cover all the Common Core Literature and Informational Text Standards.  Students don't just see a skill once.  They revisit the same skill again a few weeks later to keep skills sharp.

If you are looking for a resource that is already prepared, click a link below to access this highly-rated resource.


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