English Language Arts6-8
Poetic Device Matching Game for 8th Grade
By Shawna B.
A collaborative partner matching activity in which students pair six poetic devices (metaphor, simile, alliteration, onomatopoeia, anaphora, and imagery) with short example lines. It works well as a quick warm-up that reviews literary terms through close reading of poetic language.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 10-15 minute warm-up at the start of a poetry unit, with students working in pairs to complete the recording table.
- Discussion question: Which clue helped you identify the simile in line E, and how is it different from the metaphor in line B?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a simple reference chart defining each device and pre-highlight key clue words (like 'as' or 'like' for similes) before pairs begin.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to write an original line that combines two devices, such as alliteration and imagery, and explain their choices.
- Estimated time: About 15 minutes for matching, plus 5 minutes for whole-class review of answers.
English Language Arts6-8
Poetic Device Matching Game for 8th Grade
By Shawna B.
A collaborative partner matching activity in which students pair six poetic devices (metaphor, simile, alliteration, onomatopoeia, anaphora, and imagery) with short example lines. It works well as a quick warm-up that reviews literary terms through close reading of poetic language.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 10-15 minute warm-up at the start of a poetry unit, with students working in pairs to complete the recording table.
- Discussion question: Which clue helped you identify the simile in line E, and how is it different from the metaphor in line B?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a simple reference chart defining each device and pre-highlight key clue words (like 'as' or 'like' for similes) before pairs begin.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to write an original line that combines two devices, such as alliteration and imagery, and explain their choices.
- Estimated time: About 15 minutes for matching, plus 5 minutes for whole-class review of answers.