As teachers, we understand that a literary device worksheet has their place. But let's be real: sometimes teaching these concepts can feel a bit... dry. It shouldn’t be that way. Literary elements are the secret ingredients that turn a simple story into a masterpiece!
If you’re ready to revamp or supplement your lessons, below are three innovative and entertaining approaches to teaching literary elements that will have your students hooked from the start. And if you need a student reference sheet for the terms, click this image for a freebie! =>
Literary Elements on Social Media
Social media platforms are a goldmine of fresh ways to study literary techniques. Teachers have been using hashtags and “tweets” to teach concise writing for a while now; however, other platforms are just as rich.
Apps like TikTok showcase short, narrative-driven videos. Meet students where their interests lie! Many viral videos incorporate elements like symbolism, tone, and conflict in just a few seconds. Students can also analyze how images and text are blended to create a message in Instagram captions. Analyzing social media content can help students understand and appreciate the use of literary elements in modern communication.
Pop Culture Powerhouses
Movies, TV shows, and songs are brimming with literary devices just waiting to be dissected. By analyzing popular media, we can make these concepts more accessible and engaging for students. For example, the TV show "Stranger Things" uses a mix of foreshadowing and symbolism to create an eerie, nostalgic atmosphere that hooks viewers from the get-go.
Consider this: roughly 77% of teenagers consume content through streaming services daily according to the Pew Research Center. This makes movies and TV shows excellent visual texts for teaching literary elements. The famous stampede scene from the movie "The Lion King” is a masterclass in building tension and foreshadowing, leading to the tragic climax of Mufasa’s death. Analyzing scenes like this can help students see these elements in action and understand their significance in storytelling.
Interactive Storytelling with Video Games
Video games aren’t just a way to pass time; their stories and characters can compete with top novels. Games like "The Last of Us" and "Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga" use a variety of conflicts and character arcs to create emotional stories that draw players in.
Plus, video games are relevant and relatable to kids and teens. In "Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga," the relationships between characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader showcase character development and conflict in a variety of ways. Have students analyze these elements! They can even choose the video game(s) they want to analyze – you’ll be proud of what they can do!
Reviewing with Games
Once students have learned literary devices, try to incorporate different ways to review the terminology. A game of trashketball gets kids moving while reinforcing what they know. Provide a definition or an example, and if a student guesses the literary device correctly, they can attempt to make throw a ball made of recycled paper into a trash can.
Students can also review with this Literary Elements Word Search. Students must guess the correct term, then find it in the puzzle. Students can do this on paper or in Google Apps.
Now what?
Teachers, here’s a challenge for you: find a literary element in your favorite social media post, movie, or game and share it in your classroom. Review terms with games or puzzles. By teaching literary terms in a fun way, you can make these concepts come alive for your students.
