24 Awesome Figurative Language Charts

Figurative language is important for reading comprehension, and is also fun to teach. Once students understand the difference between literal and figurative language and how authors use figurative language, it adds depth and a lot of humor to the reading. These figurative language charts provide the support you need to help children with metaphors, similes and more. Make a few to hang in the classroom faster than a cheetah on the hunt!

2. Literal language versus figurative language

Does it drive you crazy when kids use “literally” the wrong way? This chart may help! (Again, this may not be the case, but at least they will know the difference.)

Learn more: Literal versus figurative language mapping

3. Shampoo

Acronyms to the rescue! This simple chart gives students an easy way to remember seven of the most common types of figurative language.

Learn more: Shampoo anchor chart

4. Definitions and examples

This comprehensive outline is an excellent reference for students working with challenging conditions. Examples are particularly useful.

Learn more: Linkage chart in tabular form

5. Figurative speaking

Highlight some of the most commonly used figurative language and provide multiple examples. Be sure to ask students to help you come up with the best ones to include on the list.

Learn more: Figuratively connecting diagram

6. Build your own anchor chart

Create a blank chart that you can use with any text. Students add examples using sticky notes as they read.

Learn more: Linkage chart with student examples

7. Compare similes and metaphors

Similes and metaphors are similar, but the difference is in the keywords “as” or “as”. This chart makes that crystal clear.

Learn more: A linking chart comparing metaphors and similes

8. Examples of simile

It can be a bit difficult for children to differentiate between similes and metaphors. This cute chart provides lots of examples.

Learn more: Simile anchor chart

9. Make metaphors clear

This chart provides a great (and fun) example of a metaphor. Challenge students to create their own metaphors using this metaphor for inspiration.

Learn more: Metaphor linking chart

10. Onomatopoeia

Well, maybe not all of them will be able to spell it, but they will definitely remember what it means! Onomatopoeia is everyone’s favorite type of figurative language.

Learn more: Onomatopoeia poem linking chart

11. Examples of onomatopoeia

prisoner! These illustrated examples make the meaning of this figurative linguistic term easy and clear.

Learn more: Example of onomatopoeia of a linking diagram

13. Exaggeration is the best!

This is one type of figurative language that comes naturally to children, even if they don’t know its name. They will love coming up with the best examples in the world!

Learn more: Exaggerated linking scheme

14. Alliteration hurricanes

Are you looking for a cool and surprising anchor chart? there he is! These funny tongue twisters will be very popular with children.

Learn more: Alliteration anchor chart

16. Symbols and symbolism

The ability to recognize symbols is a very important skill for students to develop as they grow older. Introduce the concept using this basic diagram.

Learn more: Anchor symbolism chart

17. Use humor

Once students have mastered all the elements, create a cute anchor chart that matches the humor of your grade level.

Buy it: Figurative language linking chart

18. Make it clear and crisp

Use a clear, clear outline to reinforce definitions of different figurative language options.

Learn more: Figurative language linking chart

19. Create clear examples

Incorporate different colors to help organize text so students can quickly get what they need from the basic outline, definition, or example.

Learn more: Linguistic chart

20. Don’t forget the older students

Older students can handle more complex examples of figurative language and more information about why authors use figurative language.

Learn more: Complex figurative language linking diagram

21. Bring popular culture

If you’re looking for silly and creative metaphorical language linking schemes, try using examples from popular culture. This anchor chart features Angry Birds to help students remember each figurative language skill.

Learn more: Popular culture anchor chart

22. Dealing with examples

Involve students in creating your own basic chart, like this one in which students added figurative language and what it literally means.

Learn more: Link chart with sticky notes

23. Support English Language Learners

Students learning English benefit from clear, concise examples, with pictures, to support language learning, such as this anchor chart.

Learn more: ESL and the Figurative Language Association Chart

24. Communicate with understanding

Help students know when to think about figurative language, such as when they are reading to understand a topic.

Learn more: Thread linking chart

Looking for more ideas like these pin charts with pictorial language? Try these static charts that help with reading comprehension.

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