Personification is a commonly used figure of speech, where human qualities are attributed to non-human subjects. This literary device not only makes language more engaging and creative but also helps the reader to connect with the subject on a deeper level. Personification is often used in literature, storytelling, and poetry to convey a specific message or emotion.
Teaching students about personification is essential as it helps them to learn how to use descriptive language in their writing. When students understand personification, they become more adept at using this literary device to create vivid descriptions that engage the reader’s imagination. Here are some exciting activities to teach students to use personification:
1. Create Personified Posters:
Students can work collaboratively to create posters personifying common objects or natural elements. For example, they can personify the sun, the moon, the rain, the wind, the trees, the grass, and the flowers. The posters can include relevant artwork and descriptive language, and the group can present their posters to the class.
2. Personify a Character:
Students can choose a character from a book or a movie and personify them. They can write about the character’s personality traits, likes, and dislikes, favorite things, and create a backstory. Then they can translate their descriptions into personified language that highlights the character’s unique qualities.
3. Write Personified Poems:
Students can write poems personifying natural elements, such as a sunset or a storm. They can use descriptive language to create vivid images and emotions, such as “The sun hugged the horizon, spreading warmth and love to all it touched.”
4. Personify a Setting:
Students can choose a setting, such as a mountain or a beach, and personify it. They can describe the setting’s history, unique features, and how it makes them feel. Then they can personify the setting by describing it as if it were a person, such as “The mountain stood tall and proud, its rocky hands reaching for the sky.
5. Personify Everyday Objects:
Students can choose everyday objects, such as a lamp or a pencil, and personify them. They can describe the object’s function, how it is used, and its importance. Then, they can personify the object by describing its behavior as if it were a person, such as “The pencil danced across the page, leaving its mark like a graceful ballerina.
In conclusion, using personification is an essential tool for creating engaging and descriptive language in writing. By implementing these fun and exciting activities in your classroom, you can help your students to become more adept at using personification and making their writing come alive.
