Description
The lesson introduces students to similes and metaphors; a language device students use often without realizing it. Some students may be familiar with them, but have not been formally introduced to the terminology. The lesson helps students understand the difference between the two types of comparison by reminding them that similes use like or as, while metaphors do not. There is an abundance of resources on the Internet for additional practice, and you are encouraged to use some of it to enhance the students’ understanding and practice with similes and metaphors. The lesson can be used following the lesson on similes.
Sample Classroom Procedure / Teacher Instruction:
- Say to students: Fill in the blanks for each statement I read about how you are or feel. I am as tired as a _____. I am like a _____ when I wake up in the morning. I am a _____ when I eat dinner each night. I am a _____ when playing video games. (these are examples and can be changed for your needs.)
- Allow students to complete each simile or metaphor aloud to the class. Give each student a chance to fill in the blank about themselves.
- When completed, introduce similes and metaphors to the class explaining to them the sentences are examples of similes and metaphors.
- Distribute Similes and Metaphors content pages. Read and review the information with the students. Use the additional resources to enhance understanding.
- Distribute Activity page. Read and review the instructions. If the outdoors is not available, the students may do the activity in the classroom or in other parts of the school building.
- When completed, allow each student to share at least one response. (The answers will vary.)
- Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’ responses.
- Distribute the Homework page. Review the directions with the class. The next day, allow students to share some of their responses. (The students’ responses will vary, but each should use an object or person in the picture as a starting point.)
- In closing, ask students to use a metaphor and a simile to compare themselves to another object or word. Give students several minutes to write out their responses on a piece of paper.
- When completed, each student shares one or more of their responses.
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5.A, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5.A, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5
Class Sessions (45 minutes): About 2 class sessions.
Additional Resources:
Want more language arts resources? Check out our other Language Arts Lesson Plans!
