Tip #150 from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents (McKinley & Trombly) - spice up writing

 


Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.

 

#150

Spice Up Your Writing

 

Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.

~Elbert Hubbard

 

Similes, metaphors, hyperbole—your child has probably used these figures of speech whether she was aware of it or not! Using this kind of language can really spice up your child’s writing. Below is a list of some common figures of speech and their definitions. Read them over with your child. Encourage her to look for them in the books she reads and challenge her to use them in her own writing.

 

Simile: points out a likeness between two different objects or ideas by using a connective word (usually like or as); example: The water swept the sand like a giant broom.

Metaphor: suggests a comparison without using the connective words like or as; example: He’s a sly fox.

Hyperbole: a huge exaggeration for special effect; example: I have a million chores to do every day!

Onomatopoeia: a word which is also a sound; example: Listen to the whoosh of the powerful machine.

Alliteration: occurs when the same sound begins most of the words in the same sentence; example: The playful puppy pounced on the prickly porcupine.

Personification: treating an object that is not human as a human being; example: The tree spreads her leafy arms to shade the tired boy.

It may help her to create a “Figurative Language” section in her writing notebook. She can record the figure of speech per page, give the definition, write an example, and perhaps even draw a picture to help her remember how and when to use it. When she comes across more figurative language ideas while reading, she can add them to her notebook as well.

 

                                             


     Cindy McKinley Alder                                            Patti Trombly

 

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