Figurative Language Activities for Middle School ELA Teachers That Require Minimal Prep

Memes are funny, relatable, and undeniably engaging—and they're perfect for teaching figurative language in middle school ELA. If you haven't considered using memes as a teaching tool, now's the time. This guide shares three proven strategies to boost student engagement while mastering essential figurative language skills that appear on state assessments.

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Strategy #1: Teach Figurative Language Using Memes

Click the image, or click here. Memes are an excellent resource for teaching figurative language because they frequently rely on wordplay and clever language devices to land their humor.

The real power comes when you push students deeper. Have them analyze why the meme creator chose a specific figurative language technique and how that choice shapes the tone and meaning of the message. This type of critical thinking aligns perfectly with what state assessments expect from middle school students.

Looking for ready-to-use task cards that cover hyperbole, personification, metaphors, similes, allusions, and other literary devices? Click here to access my complete figurative language task card collection.

Strategy #2: Provide Figurative Language Reference Sheets

Students gain confidence when they feel prepared. A well-designed reference sheet gives them exactly what they need to succeed without feeling like they're cheating—they're simply using a study tool.

Download this free figurative language cheat sheet that defines each type of figurative language and includes clear examples. Print copies for every student to keep in their folders. They'll reference it throughout the year as they encounter new texts, building familiarity and retention with each use.

Strategy #3: Build Figurative Language Skills Through Daily Practice

Spacing out instruction and revisiting skills over time is one of the most effective ways to build lasting mastery. Short, consistent practice sessions work better than cramming everything into one unit.

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The sample above shows how Daily Core Reading Practice works at the seventh grade level. Students spend just ten minutes each morning reviewing short passages that target all the Common Core Literature and Informational Text Standards—including figurative language. The key difference: students encounter the same skills multiple times throughout the year, not just once. This spaced repetition keeps skills sharp and builds automaticity.

Ready for a complete, pre-made resource? These highly-rated daily practice sets are designed to save you prep time while delivering consistent, standards-aligned instruction.

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