Seasonal Figurative Language Fun!

Isn't funny how our teacher minds NEVER seem to shut off - even when we want them to?  LOL!  Well, today was a perfect example.  I had to take my high schooler to Target to grab some spirit bag items as she has a band competition today, and of course if you are at Target, you can never just walk past the $1 Spot section.  Sometimes I wish I had the willpower to keep moving, but it just doesn't happen.

 

As we were looking for small trinkets to toss into her spirit bag (which became a pumpkin bucket nonetheless), I found this adorable pop-up book for $1!  I picked it up and thought my toddler (who is home with pneumonia at the moment) might like a little pick-me-up.  And he loves books.  The cute Halloween theme was just a bonus.  :)

 

 

So, I took it home and as I was showing it to him, I realized that the text was PERFECT for figurative language study for onomatopoeia!  Being a HUGE fan of teaching onomatopoeia anyway (what kid doesn't like a lesson that involves sound effects and such a cool name?), this would be an adorable way to introduce it!  And for only $1 - even better!

 

 

 

I can see teachers using this book (which is obviously intended for little ones) - as an upper intermediate tool.  If you have a document cam, toss it under and read aloud the book to introduce the concept.  From there. head on over to this tutorial on eHow (or any other Google searched site) for the kids to break into groups and create their very own onomatopoeia pop-up book!  They would have a blast!

 

What if your school/district does not allow holiday-related material to be used in curriculum?  No problem!  You could make your own version (this one is literally only 8 pages long) with pictures and words from fall.  Think about the sounds of leaves, Friday night football games, and hayrides.  Grab a camera, step outside, and snap images to use and to share with your students no matter what the weather is like where you live!

 

Have fun!  If you (or your students) create your own onomatopoeia book, I would love to hear about it!  What is your favorite figurative language lesson?  We would love to hear in the comments below!