Figurative Language Worksheet Pack | 11 Types | Grades 3–8

Figurative Language in Action

Help students move beyond memorizing definitions and start actually understanding and using figurative language.

This 29-page figurative language worksheet pack covers 11 types of figurative language and gives students multiple ways to work with each one: learn the concept, practice identifying it, see it used in poetry, explain it in their own words, and create an original example.

The pages are designed to be flexible, so you can use the entire resource as a figurative language unit or pull out individual sections whenever a particular concept fits what you’re teaching.

What’s Included

Each figurative language type includes two student pages:

Page 1: Learn & Identify

• Student-friendly definition
• Clear examples
• Explanations, usage notes, or non-examples
• Practice activity to identify or interpret the featured figurative language
• Original four-line poem featuring the figurative language type

Page 2: Check for Understanding

• Students define the concept in their own words
• Students create their own example
• Students illustrate their example

The resource also includes an answer key with explanations and teacher notes for the practice activities. Notes are included where students may reasonably become confused, for example when distinguishing personification from descriptive language or recognizing the difference between alliteration and assonance.

The 11 Figurative Language Types

• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Hyperbole
• Idiom
• Alliteration
• Onomatopoeia
• Imagery
• Symbolism
• Oxymoron
• Allusion

Flexible Ways to Use It

There are many ways to use these figurative language worksheets:

• As individual mini-lessons
• For guided or independent practice
• Alongside poems and other texts
• As part of a weekly poetry rhythm
• For review or reinforcement
• As a formative check for understanding
• For early finishers or extension work
• Throughout the year as students encounter different types of figurative language

You don’t have to use all 29 pages at once. Choose the figurative language type that fits what you’re teaching right now.

Print-Friendly & Reusable

Each figurative language type is designed as a two-page set that can be printed double-sided to save paper. Students learn the concept and practice it on the front, then turn the page to explain and create their own example.

Best for grades 3–8.

This resource is designed to complement the poems, texts, and lessons you’re already using…not replace them.

Need poems to go with these worksheets? Check out the Classful of Poets line, a set of ready-to-go poetry discussion lessons you can pull out and teach each week, no prep needed.

• A Classful of Poets Vol. 1 (Aug-Oct)
• A Classful of Poets Vol. 2 (Nov-Jan)
• A Classful of Poets Vol. 3 (Feb-Apr)
• A Classful of Poets Vol. 4 (May-Jun)
• A Classful of Poets: Full Year