It’s a Figurative Walk-About, Mate!
A 6-day Figurative Language, Folktale Reading & Writing Unit
Desired Results
Reading
8.4.3.3 Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the
action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
8.4.4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on
meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
8.5.4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word
choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
8.5.7.7 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or
digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.
a. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information and examples.
c. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the
topic.
Writing
8.7.3.3 Write narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event
sequences.
d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, figurative and sensory
language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
Speaking, Viewing, Listening and Media Literacy
8.9.2.2 Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats
(e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial,
political) behind its presentation.
Understandings
Enduring understandings:
Students will understand that…
• Figurative language is an essential part of creative and narrative writing
• That folktales, although old, teach valuable lessons and are important to cultures.
Essential Questions:
Over arching essential questions:
• What difference does figurative language make in writing?
• Why is it important to learn about other cultures?
• What can be learned from folktales?
Students will know…
• Figurative language terms and the definitions
• How to use figurative language in their own writing.
• How to apply figurative language to improve a written piece
Assessment Evidence
Performance Tasks:
1. A Picture is Worth 1000 Words
Students will view pictures of iconic images and other things native to Australia. They
will describe the items using figurative language.
2. Bring the Folktale to Life
Students will listen to folktales online from North, South, West, and Queensland,
Australia. Students will choose from printed copies of the online folktales and decide
how figurative language could be applied to the folktale to liven it up without changing
the meaning.
3. The Aussie Gazette
Create a 1-2 page newsletter about things people can see and learn about in Australia. It
will feature the student’s revised folktale and pictures or images of Australia that they
will describe using figurative language.
Other Evidence:
•
Students will write the figurative language terms in their journal along with the
definitions.
•
Students will participate in daily discussions.
Learning Plan
Day 1—Wednesday, December 15
•
•
•
Discuss figurative language terms for the unit—simile, metaphor, personification,
onomatopoeia, and hyperbole
Have students look up definitions and write them in their journals
Introduce a picture is worth a thousand words project
Day 2—Thursday December 16
•
Work time for “A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words” project
Day 3—Friday December 17
•
•
•
Discuss folktales
Listen to online folktales from North, South, West, and Queensland, Australia
Students will choose from printed copies of the online folktales and begin to add
figurative language
Day 4—Monday December 20
•
Students will type their revised folktale and place as a main feature of the Australia
newsletter.
Day 5—Tuesday, December 21
•
Students continue to construct their newsletter.
Day 6—Wednesday December 22
•
Students will complete their newsletter and share with the class
Resources:
Stories, pictures, etc.
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Stories-of-the-Dreaming