4th grade figurative language lessons

Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11) · 19 videos · Checked and refreshed daily

Quick answer

In 4th grade (ages 9–10), children learn to explain similes, metaphors, idioms, adages and proverbs, and to use synonyms and antonyms. Start with Twinkl's "Figurative Language for Kids" and Homeschool Pop, then Khan Academy and Flocabulary songs on idioms and hyperbole. Play all on repeat, or loop one example.

Play all on repeat

Videos in this playlist

  1. 1Figurative Language for Kids | It's Easy With Twinkl | Twinkl USAFigurative Language for Kids | It's Easy With Twinkl | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  2. 2Figurative Language for Kids | Similes, Metaphors & IdiomsFigurative Language for Kids | Similes, Metaphors & IdiomsHomeschool PopPlay from here Loop
  3. 3Figurative language | Reading | Khan AcademyFigurative language | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  4. 4Similes and Metaphors for Kids | Homeschool PopSimiles and Metaphors for Kids | Homeschool PopHomeschool PopPlay from here Loop
  5. 5Similes for Kids! | What are Similes? | All About Similes | Twinkl USASimiles for Kids! | What are Similes? | All About Similes | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  6. 6Metaphors for Kids! | What are Metaphors? | All About Metaphors | Twinkl USAMetaphors for Kids! | What are Metaphors? | All About Metaphors | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  7. 7Simile SongSimile SongHave Fun TeachingPlay from here Loop
  8. 8Simile Lesson | Classroom Language Arts VideoSimile Lesson | Classroom Language Arts VideoHomeschool PopPlay from here Loop
  9. 9Metaphors for KidsMetaphors for KidsHomeschool PopPlay from here Loop
  10. 10Idioms for Kids | What Is an Idiom, and What Do They Mean?Idioms for Kids | What Is an Idiom, and What Do They Mean?Learn BrightPlay from here Loop
  11. 11Idioms for Kids | Figurative Language LessonIdioms for Kids | Figurative Language LessonHomeschool PopPlay from here Loop
  12. 12Idioms: Windows To The World | Rap Song for Language Arts CurriculumIdioms: Windows To The World | Rap Song for Language Arts CurriculumFlocabularyPlay from here Loop
  13. 13Proverbs and Adages | Learn all about Proverbs and Adages for KidsProverbs and Adages | Learn all about Proverbs and Adages for KidsLearn BrightPlay from here Loop
  14. 14What is Hyperbole? | Educational Rap for Language Arts StudentsWhat is Hyperbole? | Educational Rap for Language Arts StudentsFlocabularyPlay from here Loop
  15. 15What is Onomatopoeia? Figurative Language Lesson | Twinkl USAWhat is Onomatopoeia? Figurative Language Lesson | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  16. 16Synonyms for Kids! | What are Synonyms? | All About Synonyms | Twinkl USASynonyms for Kids! | What are Synonyms? | All About Synonyms | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  17. 17Antonyms for Kids! | What are Antonyms? | All About Antonyms | Twinkl USAAntonyms for Kids! | What are Antonyms? | All About Antonyms | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  18. 18Language Arts Lessons for Kids | Grammar, Figurative Language & MoreLanguage Arts Lessons for Kids | Grammar, Figurative Language & MoreHomeschool PopPlay from here Loop
  19. 19The art of the metaphor - Jane HirshfieldThe art of the metaphor - Jane HirshfieldTED-EdPlay from here Loop

What does this figurative language unit cover?

It introduces similes and metaphors, then idioms, adages and proverbs, hyperbole and onomatopoeia, plus synonyms and antonyms. By the end a child should spot figurative language in a sentence, say what it really means and write a simile or metaphor of their own.

How does RepeatWatch help with similes and idioms?

Use Repeat one on a short song like the Simile Song until it sticks. Set an A–B loop on one example sentence and pause to explain it in your own words. Slow fast talking to 0.75×, and save each type on keys 1–9.

Frequently asked questions

What grade learns similes and metaphors?

Similes and metaphors are often introduced in 3rd or 4th grade, and the US 4th grade standards ask children to explain them along with idioms, adages and proverbs. Grade levels vary by country and school.

Is personification covered?

Personification comes up in the Twinkl and Khan Academy overviews. A good follow-up is to pause after each example and ask your child to make up one more, such as "the wind whispered", then check it against the definition.