GUEST BLOGGER LYDIA LUKIDIS
I love STEM but I also love poetry. Children’s literature is the perfect place to merge those two passions using figurative language! That’s what I did with my latest STEM book, UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere illustrated by Katie Rewse and published by Capstone Editions, a Capstone imprint.
The narrative journeys up, up high into Earth’s atmosphere and takes readers on an imagined journey to discover the surprising and wondrous things flying, floating, and happening between the treetops and the stars. Because our planet is so mysterious and mesmerizing, lyrical language provided the perfect structure.
Figurative language
Figurative language employs words or phrases in a non-literal way. Writers often use figurative language to add depth and creativity to their writing. It’s also a great way to show rather than tell your message.
Here are some quick poetry lessons that feature figurative language. Ask students to read the definitions below and check out the examples I used from my book. Students can make up a new way to use these poetic devices.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is using a word that makes a sound close to the action it refers to.
Example:
And then . . .
PLOOF!
The parachutes
pop open.
SPLASH!
The spacecraft
plops into the sea.
Student example: _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Alliteration
Alliteration is repeating the first letter or sound of several words near one another.
Example:
The spacecraft shakes
as it slices through
a slew of storm clouds.
Student example: _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Simile
Simile is comparing two unlikely things, usually using the words “like,” “as,” or “than.”
Example:
Thunder roars like a lion,
and lightning flashes.
Example:
For a split second,
strange red lights
called sprites
glimmer,
like ghostly jellyfish.
Student example: _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Personification
Personification is giving human characteristics to something nonhuman.
Example:
Soon the entire window
begins to glow
as an aurora
dances across the horizon.
Student example: _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Download more classroom exercises.
Featured image credit: “Figures of Speech” by Enokson is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024) and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
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