Understanding Figurative Language in Poetry

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

Join a hiking adventure through Verse Valley to explore the concept of figurative language in poetry. In this engaging lesson, the host and an animated robot named Mia learn that words often hold meaning far beyond their literal definitions. Through the narrative of a hike, viewers discover how to decode idioms, interpret metaphors, and find deeper significance in poetic verses. The video covers key literary concepts including the difference between literal and figurative language, how to identify idioms like "piece of cake" and "heart of gold," and strategies for analyzing poetry. It uses concrete examples—such as interpreting a map's cryptic directions and analyzing a poem about a difficult trail—to demonstrate how figurative language connects to human emotions and personal experiences. This resource is an excellent tool for introducing poetry units or literary analysis to upper elementary and middle school students. It provides clear visual analogies, such as comparing poetry interpretation to exploring the ocean's depths, which help demystify abstract concepts. Teachers can use the built-in pause points to facilitate class discussions, encourage predictions, and practice close reading skills in a fun, accessible way.