Improving your child’s understanding of figurative language is a progressive and cumulative effort that needs to be undertaken with a meticulous, tiered approach. Figurative language encompasses various techniques such as metaphors, similes, idioms, and personification, which add richness and depth to language usage. This journey of nurturing proficiency in figurative language should ideally align with the child’s overall academic and cognitive growth, with each stage, from Primary 1 to Primary 6, seeing the introduction of relevant, age-appropriate concepts and practice.

In Primary 1, children are just starting to get acquainted with language’s intricacies. The first step to introduce figurative language can be taken with simple similes and metaphors found in child-friendly books or stories. The goal should be to help them understand the basics, that these expressions are not meant to be taken literally but help express ideas more vividly.

In Primary 2, the exploration can continue with more complex similes and metaphors, and you could also start to introduce personification. This can be done through engaging storytelling, where inanimate objects take on human-like qualities. As your child gains familiarity with these forms of figurative language, encourage them to create their own similes, metaphors, or instances of personification.

By Primary 3, children are more comfortable with language and ready for the introduction of idioms. Start with simple, common idioms and gradually increase the complexity. Engage them in activities that allow them to use idioms in writing and speech, ensuring they understand their figurative meanings.

In Primary 4, children can start working with more abstract forms of figurative language such as hyperbole, onomatopoeia, and alliteration. Here, the usage of multimedia resources, especially poetry and song lyrics, can be a great way to explain and practice these concepts.

Primary 5 sees a consolidation of all previous learning and prepares children for the upcoming PSLE. Encourage them to use figurative language in their writing, and introduce activities that involve analyzing and interpreting the use of such language in various texts, including prose, poetry, and news articles.

Primary 6 is the time to refine their figurative language skills in preparation for the PSLE. Continue encouraging your child to use these techniques in their writing and provide ample opportunities for practice. At this stage, understanding how figurative language contributes to the mood and meaning of a text becomes crucial.

In conclusion, the understanding and application of figurative language is a complex skill that develops progressively over time. Using a structured approach that evolves with your child’s cognitive development and academic needs will ensure that they grasp these concepts comprehensively, ultimately enriching their command of the English language.