English · Foundation

Active learning ideas

Employing Descriptive and Figurative Language

Active learning works because figurative language is a skill that grows through practice and immediate feedback. When students speak, act, and draw, they test how words feel, sound, and look in real time. This sensory engagement helps them move from memorizing definitions to feeling the power of their own language.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9E7LY06
• AC9E8LY06
• AC9E9LY06

• 15–30 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• RAFT Writing
• 20 min · Pairs

Pairs: Simile Creation Chain

Pairs select everyday objects like a ball or flower. One student starts a simile with 'like' or 'as', the partner completes it, then they swap and create two more. Pairs share favourites with the class for a group vote on most vivid.

Explain how the use of imagery appeal to the reader's senses and create a stronger connection to the text?

Facilitation Tip

During Simile Creation Chain, listen for the 'like' or 'as' in each student’s phrase and quietly point it out to reinforce correct structure.

What to look for

Provide students with a short paragraph containing examples of figurative language. Ask them to circle all the similes and underline all the metaphors they can find. Discuss their answers as a class.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• RAFT Writing
• 30 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Personification Role-Play

Groups draw slips naming objects like wind or tree. Students act out personification by giving voices and movements to items, then write one sentence describing the action. Perform for other groups and discuss effects.

Analyze the effect of metaphors and similes in conveying complex ideas or emotions.

Facilitation Tip

In Personification Role-Play, step in only if a group gets stuck, reminding them to name one human trait their object would 'do' or 'feel' in the moment.

What to look for

Give each student a card with a simple sentence, such as 'The dog was happy.' Ask them to rewrite the sentence twice: once using imagery to describe the dog's happiness, and once using a simile or metaphor to show the dog's happiness.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• RAFT Writing
• 15 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Sensory Imagery Pass

Pass a textured object around the circle. Each student adds one sensory description using imagery, building a class poem. Record on chart paper and reread to note vivid parts.

Construct descriptive passages that effectively use figurative language to 'show, not tell'.

Facilitation Tip

For Sensory Imagery Pass, pause the chain after three passes to ask the class which senses were most active in the new sentence.

What to look for

Present two descriptions of the same object, one literal and one figurative (e.g., 'The flower was red' vs. 'The flower was a velvet jewel'). Ask students: 'Which description makes you feel more? Which one helps you see the flower more clearly? Why?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 04

• RAFT Writing
• 25 min · Individual

Individual: Metaphor Sketchbook

Students draw a simple scene like a playground. Label with three metaphors comparing elements to other things. Share sketches in pairs for peer compliments on creativity.

Explain how the use of imagery appeal to the reader's senses and create a stronger connection to the text?

Facilitation Tip

With Metaphor Sketchbook, model how to underline the two parts of a metaphor and label them 'this' and 'is like that' before sketching.

What to look for

Provide students with a short paragraph containing examples of figurative language. Ask them to circle all the similes and underline all the metaphors they can find. Discuss their answers as a class.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with short, shared writing where students co-create one example together. This models the process without overwhelming beginners. Avoid over-explaining; instead, let students discover how figurative language feels by revising their own literal sentences. Research shows that young writers benefit most when teachers model the struggle of choosing the right image, not just the final polished product.

Successful learning shows when students confidently create and explain their own similes, metaphors, and personifications. You will see them using sensory details naturally, discussing why certain phrases work, and revising their own writing to add vividness. Peer reactions and teacher prompts guide them toward precision in their choices.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Simile Creation Chain, watch for students who say 'The sky is like blue.'

  Gently pause and ask, 'Which word in your sentence shows the comparison word?' Then model adding 'as' or 'like' to complete the simile clearly.

• During Personification Role-Play, watch for students who only give human actions to people or animals.

  Prompt the group to choose one non-living object from the classroom and brainstorm two human qualities it could have, like 'The clock's hands tick impatiently.'

• During Sensory Imagery Pass, watch for students who list facts instead of creating sensory phrases.

  Hold up a prop like an apple and ask, 'What does it feel like? What does it smell like?' to guide their next phrase toward imagery.

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Methods used in this brief

• RAFT Writing