Grade 3 ELA | FAST Success Kit | FL B.E.S.T. Standards
ELA.3.R.3.1
Identify and explain similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, and hyperbole in text.
Third graders must be able to identify SIX types of figurative language AND explain what they mean. Students should understand that figurative language uses creative comparisons and expressions that aren't meant to be taken literally.
Definition: Compares two things using "like" or "as"
Example: "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
Clue words: like, as
Definition: Gives human qualities to non-human things
Example: "The wind whispered through the trees."
Clue: Objects/nature doing human actions
Definition: Extreme exaggeration (not meant literally)
Example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
Clue: Over-the-top, impossible statements
Definition: Repeating the same beginning sound
Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
Clue: Multiple words start with same sound
Definition: Words that sound like what they mean
Example: "The bacon sizzled in the pan."
Clue: Buzz, pop, crash, splash, boom, hiss
Reality: Both compare things, but SIMILES use "like" or "as." If there's no "like" or "as," it's a metaphor. "She IS a star" = metaphor. "She shines LIKE a star" = simile.
Reality: "This apple is bigger than that one" is a literal comparison, not a simile. Figurative language compares UNLIKE things creatively, not similar things literally.
Reality: "The dog ran across the yard" is literal (dogs can run). "The sun smiled down on us" is personification (the sun can't really smile).
| Question Type | Example Stem | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | "Which sentence contains a simile?" | Recognizing the type of figurative language |
| Explanation | "What does the author mean by 'time flies'?" | Understanding the meaning behind figurative language |
| Purpose | "Why did the author use this metaphor?" | Understanding author's craft |
| Classification | "What type of figurative language is used in line 5?" | Naming the specific type |
| Effect | "How does this personification help the reader?" | Understanding impact on meaning |
Use these stems for practice and assessment:
Create a classroom anchor chart with each type, its definition, and 2-3 examples. Use color-coding (similes = yellow, metaphors = blue, etc.) for quick reference.
For onomatopoeia, have students make the sounds! For alliteration, practice tongue twisters. Physical engagement helps memory.
Have students draw what figurative language would look like if taken literally. "Raining cats and dogs" = draw cats and dogs falling from the sky. This helps them understand figurative vs. literal.
During read-alouds, pause when you encounter figurative language. Have students identify the type and explain what it means.
| Resource | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Student Concept Worksheet | Introduces all six types with examples and matching activities | Day 1 introduction |
| Practice Worksheet | 14 questions covering all figurative language types | Days 2-4 practice |
| FAST Practice Quiz | 10-question assessment mirroring actual FAST format | Day 5 assessment |
| Parent Activity Guide | Home activities for finding figurative language in everyday texts | Ongoing home support |
| Answer Keys | Complete answers with explanations for all worksheets | Teacher/parent reference |