English Language Arts · Grade 9

Active learning ideas

Figurative Language for Style

Active learning works for this topic because students need to experiment with language to see how figurative devices change tone and meaning. When learners create their own metaphors or personify abstract ideas, they move beyond memorization to discover the practical power of these tools in real writing situations.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.5

• 25–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Graffiti Wall
• 25 min · Pairs

Pairs: Metaphor Relay

Pairs alternate adding lines to build an extended metaphor about a school day, starting with 'My classroom is...'. Switch every 30 seconds for five rounds. Discuss how the metaphor evolves and share strongest versions with the class.

Design a sentence that uses an extended metaphor to convey a complex idea.

Facilitation Tip

During Metaphor Relay, circulate and ask pairs to explain how their new metaphor builds on the previous one to maintain a consistent image throughout the sentence chain.

What to look for

Provide students with a short paragraph containing one clear example of personification. Ask them to: 1. Identify the personification. 2. Explain what abstract concept is being personified. 3. Rewrite the sentence to state the idea literally, then explain why the personification is more effective.

• Remember
• Understand
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Graffiti Wall
• 35 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Personification Pictionary

Groups draw scenes where objects act human, like 'angry storm clouds'. Others guess and explain the personification. Rotate drawers and vote on most vivid examples. Reflect on how visuals aid understanding.

Explain how personification can make abstract concepts more relatable.

Facilitation Tip

For Personification Pictionary, set a 60-second timer for each sketch so students focus on capturing the essence of the abstract concept quickly and clearly.

What to look for

Display two sentences on the board, one using a simile and one using a metaphor to describe the same object (e.g., a stormy sea). Ask students to write down which sentence they think is more powerful and why, citing specific word choices.

• Remember
• Understand
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Graffiti Wall
• 40 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Mood Mixer Gallery Walk

Students write similes or metaphors for emotions like 'joy' or 'fear' on sticky notes and post around the room. Class walks, groups notes by mood, and discusses effectiveness. Revise one per student based on feedback.

Assess the effectiveness of different types of figurative language in creating a specific mood.

Facilitation Tip

In Mood Mixer Gallery Walk, ask students to stand silently in front of two contrasting pieces before writing their reflections to prevent rushed or surface-level responses.

What to look for

Students exchange short creative writing pieces (2-3 paragraphs). Using a checklist, they identify one example of figurative language used by their partner, name the type, and write one sentence explaining its effect on the reader. They then suggest one way their partner could add another instance of figurative language for greater impact.

• Remember
• Understand
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Graffiti Wall
• 30 min · Individual

Individual: Style Swap Revision

Students rewrite a literal paragraph using three figurative devices. Swap with a partner for critique on mood and clarity. Revise once more incorporating suggestions.

Design a sentence that uses an extended metaphor to convey a complex idea.

Facilitation Tip

During Style Swap Revision, provide colored pens for students to annotate their peer's work directly, using a key for different figurative devices to make patterns visible.

What to look for

Provide students with a short paragraph containing one clear example of personification. Ask them to: 1. Identify the personification. 2. Explain what abstract concept is being personified. 3. Rewrite the sentence to state the idea literally, then explain why the personification is more effective.

• Remember
• Understand
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should model how to build extended metaphors step by step, showing how each addition deepens the comparison. Avoid overwhelming students with too many devices at once, instead focusing on mastery of one type before introducing others. Research suggests that students learn figurative language best when they analyze how authors use it in authentic texts before creating their own examples.

Successful learning looks like students confidently selecting and explaining figurative language for specific stylistic effects. They should be able to justify their choices and revise text to strengthen voice, showing they understand how devices shape reader experience and purposeful writing.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Metaphor Relay, students may think figurative language belongs only in poetry.

  Listen for pairs who use metaphors in everyday contexts like describing homework or friendships. After the activity, highlight examples where peers successfully applied metaphors to prose, then discuss why these devices work in any genre.

• During Personification Pictionary, students might assume all figurative devices create the same effect.

  During the gallery walk portion, pause the class to compare two personified sketches: one showing an abstract concept like "time" as a person, and another using a metaphor. Ask students to describe how each makes the concept feel more relatable or vivid.

• During Mood Mixer Gallery Walk, students may believe more figurative language always improves writing style.

  While observing the gallery walk, note stations where students have overused devices and discuss how it weakens impact. Use a sample paragraph from the activity to demonstrate balance, showing how three well-placed devices can be more effective than five forced ones.

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Methods used in this brief

• Graffiti Wall