Grade 4 Figurative Language word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Grade 4 Figurative Language word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this figurative language puzzle set for my 4th graders during our reading and writing unit. The kids could spot a simile sometimes but had no idea what words like metaphor, personification, or hyperbole meant when we started using the vocabulary. They also kept mixing up simile and metaphor. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, idiom, alliteration, onomatopoeia, imagery, compare, describe, exaggerate, and figure of speech . I also included a few examples like "as brave as a lion" and "time is a thief" to help them see the difference . Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the terms finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or independent practice. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the spelling of "onomatopoeia" (it's a tricky one) or whether "boom" is onomatopoeia or just a sound (it is, but the kids always have opinions about it) . The crossword I use for partners or as a review, and I usually have a figurative language anchor chart nearby for the kids who need the visual support to see the definitions and examples . I added a couple simple speech bubble and paintbrush drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one example of a simile on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.