Chit & Chat: SP: 8. Literal & Figurative Language - Story

Some children find the hidden or double meanings of language incredibly difficult to understand and this leads to over-personalisation, misinterpretation, and conflict.  This story helps children to understand that the things people say can have different meanings.  It explains the difference between literal language and figurative language and introduces the concepts of sarcasm, banter, absolute speech, exaggeration, understatement, and idioms.  Whilst the story doesn’t cover all figurative language, the focus is on common errors in social understanding at this level.  Children are encouraged to think about other meanings of what people say and to check in with an adult or a friend if they are unsure.