Similies and metaphors 30 mins / Lesson Plan

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Simile & Metaphor Super Sleuth!

Hi Phoebe! Get ready for a fun adventure into the world of words!

Materials Needed:

  • Paper
  • Pencil or Pen
  • Colorful markers (optional)
  • Your awesome brain!

Let's Go! (30 Minutes)

1. What are Similes and Metaphors? (5 mins)

Sometimes writers make descriptions more exciting by comparing things. That's called figurative language!

  • A Simile compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. Think: Simile sounds like 'similar'. Example: The cloud was fluffy like cotton candy. (Comparing cloud to cotton candy). He is as brave as a lion. (Comparing him to a lion).
  • A Metaphor compares two different things by saying one thing *is* another thing. It's a direct comparison, without 'like' or 'as'. Example: The classroom was a zoo! (Comparing the classroom to a zoo, meaning it was wild and noisy). Her smile is sunshine on a cloudy day. (Comparing her smile to sunshine).

Can you see the difference? Similes use 'like' or 'as', metaphors don't!

2. Simile Sleuth! (10 mins)

Read these sentences. Is it a simile? Why or why not?

  1. The night sky was like a velvet blanket sprinkled with diamonds.
  2. My brother eats like a pig.
  3. The internet is an information superhighway.
  4. The cat's fur was soft.
  5. She swims as gracefully as a swan.

(Answers: 1. Simile - uses 'like'. 2. Simile - uses 'like'. 3. Metaphor - direct comparison. 4. No - just a description. 5. Simile - uses 'as'.)

3. Metaphor Mission! (10 mins)

Now, find the metaphors! What two things are being compared?

  1. The snow is a white blanket covering the town.
  2. His heart is stone.
  3. That boy runs fast.
  4. She is a shining star on the stage.
  5. Your brain is a computer.

(Answers: 1. Metaphor - snow/blanket. 2. Metaphor - heart/stone. 3. No - just a description. 4. Metaphor - she/star. 5. Metaphor - brain/computer.)

4. Creative Comparisons! (5 mins)

Your turn, Super Sleuth! Grab your paper and pencil.

  • Write two similes (using 'like' or 'as').
  • Write two metaphors (saying something *is* something else).

Be creative! Think about things you like or see around you.

Wrap-up: Great job today, Phoebe! You're officially a Simile and Metaphor Super Sleuth. Keep an eye out for similes and metaphors when you're reading!