Personification Lesson Ideas

One of my favorite things to teach is figurative language.  I enjoy helping students identify figurative language, discover it in stories and poems, and ponder what it means and why the author chose to write or describe something in such a creative way. Often times, students are able to communicate ideas and  meanings of figurative language that I have not considered. I love these discussions and discoveries that we make together.

Personification is a type of figurative language in which authors give non-human objects or things human characteristics. When students are exposed to personification in literature, the words create a startling and unique visual image that captures the reader's imagination. I have found that personification can be challenging for some students, but with much exposure to literature containing personification, students are able to become equipped with the skills needed to identify and discuss personification.

Here are a few ideas to help your older students understand personification.

Books:

The Widow's Broom, Hello, Harvest Moon, Lonely Scarecrow, Apples to Oregon, and The Spider and the Fly are excellent books for teaching personification.

There are many great books that can be used for teaching students personification. A few of my favorite fall books include: The Widow's Broom, Hello, Harvest Moon, Lonely Scarecrow, Apples to Oregon, and The Spider and the Fly. Each one of these books has great examples of personification, but my favorite to use is Hello, Harvest Moon. 

Hello, Harvest Moon poetically describes the beauty of the harvest moon as well as its effects on nature using figurative language. This book is packed full of many unique examples of personification. Similes and metaphors are abundant as well. Because of the sheer number of examples of personification, this is an excellent book to use as an introductory lesson.

Anchor Chart:

I created this anchor chart to help my students identify and remember personification. I thought the fall theme went great with the fall themed books that I shared with my class. I don't always have a lot of time to create anchor charts. One time saving tip: enlarge and print out your favorite clip art to glue to your anchor chart. Then add the wording as needed. This adorable clip art is from Creating4 the Classroom. 

Show Me the Card:

This easy game is a fun way for your students to review personification along with similes and metaphors. To play, students will listen as you read a sentence aloud. The students will then listen for a simile, a metaphor, or personification and will hold up the corresponding card. Also included in this packet is a graphic organizer and a worksheet to practice or to use as an assessment. You and your students will enjoy this easy activity.  Simply click HERE to find everything you need for this activity in my Show Me the Card Activity.

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