Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Figures of Speech

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 minutes)

The objectives stage aims to establish clear learning goals for students and guide subsequent activities. By defining specific objectives, students are encouraged to focus on the main figures of speech, developing critical skills for analysis and understanding. This clarity at the beginning of the lesson serves to align expectations and optimize student engagement during practical activities.

Main Objectives:

1. Understand the main figures of speech, focusing on metaphor and euphemism, and their functions in texts.

2. Identify and analyze the use of figures of speech in different types of texts, promoting the skill of textual interpretation.

Side Objectives:

1. Stimulate critical thinking and creativity when interpreting and creating examples of figures of speech.

Introduction

Duration: (15 minutes)

The Introduction phase aims to engage students with the content they studied at home, using problem-based situations that stimulate the practical and contextual application of knowledge. Additionally, it seeks to show the relevance of figures of speech in everyday life, connecting the study to real life and increasing students' interest in the subject.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Project an image of a famous advertisement and ask students to identify possible figures of speech used and explain their effect in the context of advertising.

2. Show the lyrics of a popular song and ask students to highlight and classify the figures of speech found, discussing how they contribute to the expressiveness of the text.

Contextualization

Explain that figures of speech are powerful tools not only in literature but also in everyday life, such as in political speeches, advertisements, and social media. Emphasize that understanding and knowing how to use these tools can not only enrich students' personal expression but also help them critically interpret the various texts they encounter daily.

Development

Duration: (75 - 80 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to practically and creatively apply their acquired knowledge of figures of speech. The suggested activities are elaborated to engage students in critical thinking processes, analysis, and creative expression, consolidating learning through group interaction and collaboration. This stage is crucial for transitioning from theoretical knowledge to practical skills in using and identifying figures of speech in various contexts.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Metaphors in Fashion

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop the understanding of metaphors through a visual and creative application, stimulating students' interpretation and artistic expression.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups and tasked with creating a fashion collection inspired by metaphors. Each group will choose a series of metaphors and must design clothing that visually represents these figures of speech. For example, a metaphor like 'heart of stone' could inspire a clothing item with rigid or rocky elements.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Explain each selected metaphor and discuss possible visual interpretations with the students.

• Allow students to choose the metaphors they want to work on.

• Provide materials such as paper, colored pencils, fabric, glue, and scissors.

• Guide students to draw and, if possible, create a prototype of their clothing item.

• At the end, each group will present their collection explaining how each piece represents the chosen metaphor.

Activity 2 - Euphemisms in Cinema

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Deepen the understanding of euphemisms and their functionality in discourse, developing analytical and critical skills regarding language use.

- Description: Students, grouped together, will watch selected excerpts from films that use euphemisms. After the viewing, each group must identify and discuss the euphemisms used in the dialogues, analyzing the impact of these linguistic choices on understanding the scenes and perception of characters.

- Instructions:

• Organize the room in a layout that allows everyone to comfortably watch the film excerpts.

• Distribute film excerpts that clearly contain euphemisms in the dialogues.

• After the viewing, ask groups to identify and note the euphemisms found.

• Facilitate a group discussion on how euphemisms alter the perception of the narrative.

• Ask each group to present their findings and analyses to the class.

Activity 3 - Building Stories with Figures of Speech

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Stimulate creativity and practical application of figures of speech, promoting students' writing and storytelling skills.

- Description: In this playful activity, groups of students will receive cards with different figures of speech. The challenge will be to create a short story that incorporates all the figures of speech from the cards in a coherent and creative way. The stories will be presented, and the class will vote on the most original and well-constructed one.

- Instructions:

• Explain the concept of the activity and demonstrate how to use the cards.

• Distribute a set of cards to each group, each containing a different figure of speech.

• Give time for groups to plan and write their stories.

• Organize a presentation of the stories for the entire class.

• Conduct a vote to choose the most creative and well-elaborated story.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This final stage of the lesson plan aims to consolidate students' learning by allowing them to share their experiences and insights. By discussing in groups, students can learn from each other, compare interpretations, and clarify doubts, reinforcing their understanding of figures of speech. Furthermore, this discussion helps to evaluate the overall understanding of students on the topic, facilitating the identification of areas that may need future review.

Group Discussion

Initiate the discussion by recalling the importance of figures of speech in effective and expressive communication. Encourage each group to share their discoveries and experiences from the activities performed. Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to speak and that examples are explained clearly to the whole class.

Key Questions

1. What were the most challenging figures of speech to apply or identify in the activities? Why?

2. How does the use of figures of speech influence the interpretation of a text or expression?

3. In what way can you apply the knowledge gained about figures of speech in your future readings or writings?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The Conclusion stage serves to reinforce learning and ensure that students can connect theoretical content with practical application, reviewing the main figures of speech covered. It is an opportunity for students to reflect on the applicability of these concepts in their lives, consolidating knowledge in a way that they can apply it consciously and effectively.

Summary

To conclude the lesson, summarize the main points covered, emphasizing the definition and application of metaphors and euphemisms. Recall the examples used in the activities, such as metaphors in fashion and euphemisms in cinema, highlighting how each group was able to apply these concepts creatively and practically.

Theory Connection

Explain how today's lesson connected the theory learned at home with the practice in the classroom. Highlight the importance of understanding figures of speech not only as a literary element but as a useful tool in daily communication, whether in texts, conversations, or visual media. Show how practical activities helped solidify theoretical knowledge through real application and discussion.

Closing

Finally, discuss the relevance of figures of speech in the interpretation and production of texts, emphasizing how these skills are essential not only in academic contexts but in all forms of daily communication. Encourage students to continue observing and using figures of speech in their daily readings and writings, reinforcing the usefulness of these concepts beyond the classroom.