NY Next Generation ELA 3L5.a

ELA3rd GradeDemonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

The Standard

Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).

New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students distinguish literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases within context. They decide whether the author means the exact physical action or an accepted figurative idea.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student identifies a phrase as literal or nonliteral and explains the intended meaning. The explanation uses details from the surrounding sentence or situation.
Common Misconceptions: Students may create a physical picture for every phrase even when it makes the passage impossible. They may label a phrase figurative only because it is unfamiliar.
How to Assess It: Give students two sentences using take steps, one literal and one nonliteral. Ask them to label each use and explain the intended meanings.

Lesson moves

Match phrase cards to literal and nonliteral picture cards, then explain which context makes each meaning work.
Ask, ‘Is the character really spilling beans, and which sentence detail reveals the intended meaning?’
Play Literal or Figurative Corners, requiring students to move, label, and justify each contextual phrase.
Collect common expressions from school conversations and create literal drawings beside accurate nonliteral explanations.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3L5.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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