Figurative language is always one of my favorite ELA skills to teach. It lends itself to fun, engaging lessons. This post will share videos for reviewing or teaching figurative language. (As with any videos that I share, I recommend that you watch the videos before showing them to your students.)
Figurative Language Explained
Running Time: 1:58
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOrcxEUw9WE?rel=0]
This short, animated video explains the difference between literal and figurative language, and then gives an overview metaphors, similes, personification, hyperboles, symbolism, and idioms. Great for a quick review or as independent practice.
Personification
Running Time: 2:52
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqBZMR83wCg?rel=0]
This is a cute, catchy song with of examples of personification and what they really mean.
Similes and Metaphors
Running Time: 2:59
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoSBVNUO2LU?rel=0]
Simile Girl and Metaphor Man are here to save the day! These heroes make learning your similes and metaphors as easy as pie. Another cute song from The Bazillions. Note: The metaphors used in this video are also common idioms which may be confusing for your students, so make sure you preview the video before deciding to show it.
Similes in Pop Culture
Running Time: 6:49
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GLSsX7Rg2s?rel=0]
More than a dozen examples of similes in movies, TV shows, songs, and commercials. A wonderful compilation.
Metaphors in Pop Culture
Running Time: 1:19
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNRsY3NCB1A?rel=0]
A short video containing 4 examples of metaphor use in popular songs.
What is Hyperbole?
Running Time: 3:25
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuzWLDWm6Zs?rel=0]
A catchy original song that explains all about hyperboles. Full of examples of hyperbole in different kinds of writing, including tall tales and advertisements.
Just a note here, I do not think that the metaphors in the video with The Bazillions are metaphors. While they are indeed figures of speech, they are not metaphors. I would say nearly all of them mentioned are idioms.
Hi, it is definitely confusing because they are idioms as well. I have a read aloud book that is a mentor text for metaphors that is the same way. I will add a note in to make sure future readers note that.
wow theas songs and videos are amazing
I was unable to access two of the videos you shared. They state that they were private.
I love songs every time in single song.
My kids loved the videos! We are using your figurative language games at the end of the week.
Thanks loads as these information and videos are so amazing and useful for me n my students….looking forward for more….
Thank you for this valuable collection. The videos for Figurative Language Review and Literal and Figurative Language are marked as Private. Is it possible for you to provide access to those two to use as an introduction to this concept. Thank you in advance.
Hi Sharon! It looks like the Youtube user who uploaded those took them down or marked them as private. I’ll remove them from this post and look for alternatives.