1. Why did you say that? A study in figurative Language
Project based learning created by
Yvonne Colland
March 23, 2010

2. What is Project Based Learning(PBL)?
Project Based Learning is many lessons that are governed by questions that guide and direct our learning. Students will be completing many projects throughout the course of the PBL to accomplish the lessons’ goals.
For this unit, students will learn about figurative language and use them in their writing. However, the lessons are not from paper-pencil work. Instead, students will explore figurative language and “play” with it until they are able to use it confidently in their writing.

3. Why Project Based Learning (PBL)?
Students learn 21st Century Skills through Project Based Learning (PBL).
Students create unique and original works throughout the year.
Students “own” their learning by asking questions and seeking answers.

4. What are 21st Century Skills?
Three categories define 21st Century Skills.
They are:
Life and Career Skills
Learning and Innovation
Information, Media, and Technology Skills
What does this look like in the classroom?
Collaborative work where students are responsible for their own learning
Real world skills such as team work and problem solving in a group setting
Self-reflection on their own learning and controlling the pace and amount of learning that takes place
Use of technology to support and enhance the project

5. Unit Summary – Use of Figurative Language in Writing Genres
Throughout the school year, students will produce original writings using figurative language to create a clear and descriptive picture to the audience/reader.
Students will have an opportunity to work individually and cooperatively to accomplish the project.

6. Essential Question (A broad, overarching question that can bridge several units or subject areas)
Why did you say that?

7. Unit Questions (Guiding questions for the unit)
How might I include figurative language into my oral language and written communication?
Why should I figure out how to use figurative language?
How will I know I figured out figurative language?

8. Content Questions (Content area or definitional questions)
Describe the many different genres of writing that figurative language can be used.
What are the different types of figurative language I will need to know in the 5th (or other appropriate) grade?
What is the definition of each type of figurative language?
What are the different types of writing genres I am responsible in learning?

9. Objectives for this project
Students
Teacher
Teach and guide students to:
work independently
work with partners
work in small groups
Encourage students to be creative
Ask open ended questions where students come up with their own answers
Provide plethora of opportunities to use technology in projects
Work independently
Collaborate with partner
Collaborate in small groups
Create original writings
“Play” with language
Discover answers on your own
Enjoy being creative
Use figurative language in writing
Create projects
with technology

10. Student Outcomes Personal narrative (Concept 1, PO1
Poetry (Concept 1, PO1)
Haiku
Cinquain
Free verse
Quatrain
Response to topics (Concept 2, PO2, PO3)
A “Project Based Learning” experience with Figurative Language
Functional text (directions, rubrics) (Concept 3 PO1) Friendly letter (Concept 3, PO2)
Persuasive essay (Concept 4, PO1)
Response to literature (Concept 5, PO1, PO3)

11. See next page for more assessments
In addition to the completed, original writings, students will be assessed in various forms throughout each step of the figurative language project such as:
Wikis
Blogs
Surveys
Multiple choice questions – online
Posters
Brochures
Presentations
See next page for more assessments

12. Assessments (page 2) Additional assessments:
“Publish” works by displaying in classroom, sending them to companies/people, posting them online
Creating a Windows Movie Maker movie where students can narrate the Power Points and pictures associated with their work
Creating “games” to be used on the Smartboard
Online games to practice and see different forms of figurative language
Since project based learning is directed by teachers and students, more assessments may be created based on the needs and desires of the teacher/student partnership

13. Examples of assessments
Click on the following to see an example of a different assessment.
Figurative Language -assessment to gauge student needs.docx

14. Questions? Comments? Feel free to ask questions.
Please give me feedback throughout your learning process and let me know how I can help you.
(All animations/graphics retrieved from Microsoft Office online on March 22, 2010)