Figurative language is not just a tool for poets and writers; it’s an integral part of our daily communication. We use it to add color, depth, and impact to our expressions, often without even realizing it. Metaphors, similes, hyperboles, and idioms are woven into the fabric of our everyday conversations, making our language more vivid and engaging.
Consider how often we use phrases like “time is money” (metaphor), “busy as a bee” (simile), or “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” (hyperbole). These expressions help us convey complex ideas or emotions more effectively than literal language alone. Idioms like “break a leg” or “it’s raining cats and dogs” are cultural shorthand that adds flavor to our speech.
In professional settings, figurative language can make presentations more memorable. A manager might describe a project as “a marathon, not a sprint,” instantly conveying the need for sustained effort. Advertisers leverage figurative language to create lasting impressions: “Red Bull gives you wings” is a powerful metaphor for energy and freedom.
Even in everyday situations, we naturally resort to figurative language. Describing a friend as “a ray of sunshine” or a difficult task as “climbing a mountain” helps others understand our perspectives more clearly. By using figurative language, we’re not just communicating facts; we’re sharing experiences and emotions in a relatable way.
Stages of Reading Development
Stage 1: The Emergent Pre-reader (typically between 6 months to 6 years old)
The Emergent Pre-reader stage marks the beginning of a child’s journey into literacy. During this phase, children develop crucial pre-reading skills that form the foundation for future reading success. They begin to understand that printed words carry meaning and that books are read from left to right (in many languages).
Key developments in this stage include:
- Recognizing that books have front and back covers
- Understanding that stories have a beginning, middle, and end
- Developing phonological awareness (recognizing sounds in spoken words)
- Learning to identify some letters and their corresponding sounds
- Engaging in “pretend reading” by mimicking adult reading behaviors
Parents and caregivers play a vital role by reading aloud, pointing out words and pictures, and fostering a love for books and storytelling.
Stage 2: The Novice Reader (typically between 6 to 7 years old)
As children transition into the Novice Reader stage, they begin to crack the code of written language. This is often coincides with formal reading instruction in schools. Novice readers start to connect letters with their sounds (phonics) and use this knowledge to sound out simple words.
Characteristics of this stage include:
- Recognizing and naming all uppercase and lowercase letters
- Understanding the concept of words and spaces in text
- Beginning to read simple, phonetically regular words
- Using picture cues to support understanding
- Developing sight word vocabulary for common words
At this stage, children benefit from structured phonics instruction and plenty of opportunities to practice reading simple texts.
Stage 3: The Decoding Reader (typically between 7 – 9 years old)
Decoding Readers have mastered basic phonics and are now focused on becoming more fluent. They’re moving from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” These readers can tackle longer texts and are beginning to read silently.
Key aspects of this stage:
- Increased reading speed and accuracy
- Ability to read and understand longer, more complex sentences
- Growing comprehension skills, including making predictions and inferences
- Expanding vocabulary through reading
- Beginning to self-correct when they make mistakes
Encouraging wide reading and providing access to diverse texts helps Decoding Readers build fluency and expand their knowledge base.
Stage 4: The Fluent, Comprehending Reader (typically between 9 – 15 years old)
Fluent, Comprehending Readers have automated the process of decoding, allowing them to focus more on understanding and analyzing what they read. They can handle more complex texts across various genres and subjects.
Characteristics of this stage include:
- Reading with expression and appropriate pacing
- Understanding various text structures (e.g., narrative, expository)
- Ability to summarize and critically analyze texts
- Using context clues to understand new vocabulary
- Developing personal preferences in reading material
At this stage, readers benefit from exposure to challenging texts and discussions that encourage deeper analysis and critical thinking.
Stage 5: The Expert Reader (typically from 16 years and older)
Expert Readers have fully developed reading skills and can navigate complex texts with ease. They read for various purposes: information, pleasure, and critical analysis. These readers can synthesize information from multiple sources and understand nuanced or abstract concepts.
Key features of Expert Readers:
- Ability to read and understand highly specialized or technical texts
- Skilled at comparing and contrasting information from different sources
- Can analyze author’s purpose, bias, and use of literary devices
- Able to form and articulate well-reasoned opinions about texts
- Continuously expanding vocabulary and knowledge through reading
Expert Readers continue to grow by challenging themselves with diverse and complex reading materials and engaging in discussions about their reading.
