When expressing a complicated idea, words are utilized in a way that deviates from their typical order and meaning. When using metaphorical language to convey oneself, one does not employ a word’s literal or practical meaning. While figurative language is more often used in poetic devices or creative writing, it is one of the important concepts of language.
Moreover, figurative language can make a better impact in everyday communication. In such cases, teachers and educators can make use of different examples to teach the concept. With the usage of the below examples mentioned, students can better utilize figurative language and their application in written and spoken communication.
Interesting figurative language examples for kids
Figurative language comprises many figures of speech that are used in a poetic manner to play great emphasis on communication. Certain examples help students understand it better with its usage in different situations.
1. Personification

A personification is a form of metaphor that uses terminology usually used to describe different human actions. When you give an inanimate object or animal any human behaviors, this is known as personification.
- The trees are dancing with the rain.
- Sun often smiles during sunsets.
- Leaves sing during autumn.
At the same time, personification can also be learned and mastered by the students using many games and activities.
2. Hyperbole

Exaggeration used as a rhetorical tool or figure of speech is known as hyperbole. A rhetorical technique known as hyperbole is employed to make something appear and sound far better than it truly is. It is a method of speech or writing that exaggerates how huge, great, small, or awful someone or something is.
- My teacher gave me millions of work to complete.
- Paula cried an ocean due to a small injury.
- Jency is so hungry that she can eat a horse.
3. Simile

When two unconnected items are likened to one another, it is called a simile. When you want to compare two things, people, or any other object, a simile can be used. A simile is always used with the helping words – like or as. When helping words are used in figurative language, it often refers to an Indirect comparison.
- John sang as good as a singer.
- Sharon was like a Cheetah in the running race.
4. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses non-literal language to describe an item or action in order to clarify a point or draw a comparison. It is possible to define a metaphor as an implicit comparison. It compares objects or concepts that are typically at odds with one another.
- Kate has a heart of gold.
- Her daughter is the sunshine of the house.
- Life is indeed a rollercoaster.
Figurative languages like metaphor and similes can also be taught to the little ones using picture books, then help kids decode the real meaning behind the words spoken.
5. Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary trick in which neighboring words’ beginning consonant sounds are repeatedly employed in a sentence. In order to create an audible pulse, alliteration is defined as the use of the same sound at the beginning of successive words.
- Shane collects shells and sells them at the shore.
- Tom bought a tub and other tiny toys.
- The carpenter was capable and careful in creating a casual dining table.
6. Pun

Puns are creative and humorous uses of words or phrases that have two meanings or that share the same sound but have different meanings. It makes use of multiple-meaning words and words with similar sounds. Puns are typically employed to create a funny or rhetorical effect.
- A boiled egg is hard to beat.
- Henry could not ride the bicycle because it was two-tired.
- A horse is a very stable animal.
7. Idiom
A word or term that typically has a metaphorical, non-literal meaning connected to it is referred to as an idiom. Many idioms are metaphorical; they are meant to evoke an image, an association, or some other mental effect. Idioms are often classified into different categories including sports, food, animals, and so on.
- Two heads are better than one.
- Math was a piece of cake for her due to her interest in numbers.
- It started raining cats and dogs due to climate change
8. Onomatopoeia

The usage of or development of a word that mimics sound is known as onomatopoeia. Using words to describe the noises created by all living things, including people, animals, birds, and all inanimate objects, is a rhetorical method known as onomatopoeia.
- The bee kept buzzing throughout the class.
- My cat purrs when she is hungry.
- The teacher asked us to clap and congratulate the winners.
9. Oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines two opposing terms is known as an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a term that is occasionally used to describe a word combination that the listener finds amusingly paradoxical. An oxymoron is a rhetorical device that serves to clarify a message and expose a paradox.
- James made a pretty ugly choice with his recent book collection.
- The school trip was an open secret for students.
- Video games are changing the entire virtual reality concept.
10. Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which an object or notion is called by the name of another object or synonym that is intimately related to it. Here, you might not mean it in a literal sense but the word is used to display a feeling, place, or object.
- Kevin gave him a hand during trouble.
- Suits attended the meeting to decide on the next plan.
- The teacher had eyes on Leo as he was too mischievous
Helpful tips to teach figurative language to kids
While examples play an important role in teaching, certain tips and tricks can also be used in teaching figurative language. Check the below-mentioned easy-to-use tips in the classroom.
- Figurative language is often used in poetry. So, every time you are teaching a poem, try to identify different figurative statements. Also ask students to think and look for such usage of languages.
- Another tip is to make use of various picture books that offer knowledge on specific parts of figurative language. Such books are visually appealing and offer more relatability.
- Storytelling is also one of the helpful tips to use figurative language. Look for different opportunities where you can incorporate the above-mentioned examples during storytelling sessions.
- Daily conversations can also be formed around figurative language. Such a step offers a fun learning environment, engagement with the subject matter, and creative knowledge enhancement.
- Use creative videos or stories on the projector with the use of video and audio. Let students identify figurative language and develop active listening skills as well.
- Parents and teachers can also engage the kid in some online games and classroom activities to help them learn the concept better and facilely.
Wrapping up..
Figurative Language is one of the helpful ways to develop creativity in written and spoken communication. With the usage of the above-mentioned examples, teachers and parents can try incorporating them in different ways and situations. Only when students are exposed to well-understood examples can they better sharpen their skill set. While these are some examples, teachers can make use of relevant tips to offer a diversified learning platform in the classroom. Furthermore, being able to decode the real meaning behind the figurative language also serves as a good example of being linguistically intelligent.

I am Shweta Sharma. I am a final year Masters student of Clinical Psychology and have been working closely in the field of psycho-education and child development. I have served in various organisations and NGOs with the purpose of helping children with disabilities learn and adapt better to both, academic and social challenges. I am keen on writing about learning difficulties, the science behind them and potential strategies to deal with them. My areas of expertise include putting forward the cognitive and behavioural aspects of disabilities for better awareness, as well as efficient intervention. Follow me on LinkedIn