Literary devices are the building blocks of great literature. From similes to symbolism, these tools enrich writing, evoke emotions, and sharpen expression. This lesson plan introduces students to the most common literary devices used in poetry and prose, encouraging them to recognize, analyze, and apply them in their own writing.
Whether you're teaching middle school, high school, or ESL students, this adaptable and interactive lesson will help your learners develop a deeper appreciation for language and literature.
Grade Level
- Grades 7 to 10 (Adaptable for older or advanced learners)
Lesson Duration
- 45–60 minutes (Extendable into 2 sessions with enrichment activities)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define and identify key literary devices in texts.
- Explain the effect of literary devices on meaning and tone.
- Use selected literary devices in their own writing.
- Analyze short excerpts for figurative language.
Target Literary Devices
This lesson focuses on the following:
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Personification
- Alliteration
- Hyperbole
- Onomatopoeia
- Imagery
- Symbolism
- Irony
Optional extensions: Oxymoron, Anaphora, and Allusion (for advanced students)
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard/projector
- Printed handouts or slides with definitions and examples
- Literary device identification worksheet
- Short passage or poem for analysis (e.g., an excerpt from Shakespeare, Poe, or Frost)
- Creative writing prompt sheet
- Colored pencils or highlighters
Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes)
Objective: Activate students’ interest and prior knowledge.
-
Write the sentence on the board:
“The moon smiled down at the sleeping city.” -
Ask students:
- Can a moon actually smile?
- What kind of sentence is this?
- What feeling or image does this sentence create?
-
Guide students to identify that this is personification—a literary device used to give human traits to non-human things.
-
Tell students: Today, you’ll explore more such creative techniques used in literature!
Direct Instruction (15–20 minutes)
Objective: Teach definitions and effects of literary devices using examples.
Step 1: Present the Definitions
Use a projector or chart paper to display each literary device with:
- A clear definition
- One example from literature
- One original example
Here’s a brief overview:
| Device | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | A comparison using "like" or "as" | Her smile was as bright as the sun. |
| Metaphor | A direct comparison without "like" or "as" | Time is a thief. |
| Personification | Giving human traits to non-human things | The wind whispered secrets. |
| Alliteration | Repetition of initial consonant sounds | She sells seashells by the seashore. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration for effect | I’ve told you a million times! |
| Onomatopoeia | Words that imitate sounds | Boom! Crash! Buzz! |
| Imagery | Language that appeals to the senses | The scent of roses lingered in the air. |
| Symbolism | An object represents a deeper meaning | A dove symbolizes peace. |
| Irony | A contrast between expectation and reality | A fire station burns down. |
Step 2: Discuss the Purpose
- Why do authors use these?
- What impact do they have on tone, imagery, or theme?
Encourage brief student input.
Guided Practice (10–15 minutes)
Objective: Identify literary devices in context.
Activity 1: Literary Device Scavenger Hunt
Provide a short passage or poem (you can use something like Robert Frost’s "The Road Not Taken" or a short modern paragraph rich in figurative language).
Instructions:
- In pairs or groups, students underline and label the literary devices they find.
- Use color-coding if possible (e.g., blue for metaphor, red for simile, etc.)
- Discuss findings as a class.
Tip: Choose a text that contains at least 5 devices discussed earlier.
Independent Practice / Assessment (15–20 minutes)
Objective: Demonstrate understanding through identification and creation.
Option 1: Literary Device Worksheet
- Match definitions to examples.
- Identify the literary device used in 10 sample sentences.
- Short answer: Explain the effect of a given literary device in one sentence.
Option 2: Creative Writing Task
- Write a short paragraph or mini-poem that includes at least 3 different literary devices.
- Students highlight or underline the devices used.
Example prompt: “Describe a storm using imagery, simile, and personification.”
Closure (5 minutes)
Exit Ticket: On a sticky note or small slip of paper, students complete:
- One literary device they enjoyed learning.
- One original sentence using that device.
Collect these to check for individual understanding.
Extension / Homework Ideas
- Literary Device Poster: Create a poster for one device, including the definition, an example from literature, and an original sentence.
- Device Detective: Assign students to find a literary device in a song lyric, poem, or novel they’re reading.
- Figurative Language Flipbook: Students create a small booklet explaining and illustrating 5 devices.
Tips for Teachers
- Use student examples during instruction to increase engagement.
- Reinforce devices throughout the year—especially during poetry units and reading comprehension.
- For ESL students, provide translated examples or visuals to support understanding.
- Integrate music and media—many lyrics and ads use powerful literary devices.
Common Struggles & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Confusing simile and metaphor | Use comparison charts or visual examples. |
| Forgetting names of devices | Create memory aids or use mnemonic tricks. |
| Struggling with creative writing | Use scaffolds, sentence frames, and modeling. |
Conclusion
Literary devices are not just for poets and novelists—they’re tools every student can use to bring their writing to life. This engaging and flexible lesson helps students understand, appreciate, and apply the magic of figurative language. With a mix of analysis, discussion, and creation, learners gain confidence and creativity in their use of the English language.
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