Figurative language is the use of figures of speech to create a more persuasive and colorful impact. Figures of speech (i.e. metaphors, similes, and allusions) go beyond the literal meanings of the words to give readers new insights. It can be challenging for many students to grasp figurative language because of the abstract nature of its meaning.  For that reason, Ms. Bracken, Speech Therapist at The Calais School, recently teamed up with our Art instructors, Mr. Brooks and Mr. Milioto, on a collaborative project to exemplify how Art and Language collide. 

All 8th graders and those high school students enrolled in Art as an elective took part in the project. Initially, Ms. Bracken introduced a lesson on figurative language, integrating videos to help students develop ideas.  Then each student chose a phrase – an idiom, metaphor or simile- and created a drawing visually depicting the phrase from their perspective.  Mr. Milioto and Mr. Brooks incorporated their art expertise to help the students add details and expand on their art skills.  While working on the drawings, an informal discussion was led by the instructors encouraging students to share their creative ideas with classmates and expanding their overall knowledge of figurative language.  

The drawings are currently on display in the cafeteria and have attracted a lot of interest from the student body. Students have been overheard asking each other what the various phrases mean and using the details in the drawings to infer meaning. It was a great success!!