It’s finally fall and we’re starting to feel it! As leaves change and temperatures drop, your walks will take on a different look and feel. Why not take advantage of the slightly different sensory details that surround you on your strolls? That’s right! Turn your focus to figurative language.
We’ve even got the perfect podcast to get you started. Fortunately, you and your students can explore Simile and Metaphor thanks to The Walking Classroom (4-#11, 5-#72, Combined-#4). All you need to do is grab those WalkKits, and get set to walk, listen, learn, and . . . maybe even write!
Similes in Song? Metaphors in Music?
Absolutely! Captivate your students with a quick flick on metaphors! Better yet, go ahead and try out one of several videos which will help bring figurative language to life. It’s easy to extend your lesson on similes and metaphors in an entertaining (and musical!) way.
From singing along to the classic Schoolhouse Rock “Telegraph Line” to seeing if they can sense the similes and metaphors in a musical mash-up, your students will be actively engaged!
Practice Makes Perfect
To continue your lesson beyond the podcast and assess your students’ understanding at the same time, present some examples! Take advantage of a ready-made worksheet to have them independently identify similes and metaphors.
Additional resources are in abundance! There are a wealth of other figurative language activities and lesson plans on similes and metaphors out there from which to choose.
Bring in a Book . . . or Two!
Books provide a wealth of additional examples of similes and metaphors for your students, and there are plenty from which to pick. Looking for more direct explanation? Check out Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk: What are Similes and Metaphors? by Brian P. Cleary for an cleverly-written take on the topic!
Searching for something a little more literary? Picture books are the perfect path if you’re seeking an abundance of examples in one place.
Best of all, there already-created lists of picture books with similes and picture books with metaphors! All you have to do is choose! From among these books, it appears that the most popular pick is the Caldecott winner, Owl Moon, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoenherr. You can even pick one lesson plan or another to support you!
Another favorite choice is Quick as a Cricket, written by Audrey Wood and illustrated by Don Wood. This little book is absolutely loaded with similes. Looking to extend the lesson? It’s easy to find a fun activity for your class!
Sorting It All Out
Need some help keeping all those figurative language finds straight? Perhaps a graphic organizer is what you need to sort things out! Challenge students with a bit of a scavenger hunt! Have them find an example of a simile or metaphor, cite it, and explain its meaning. Looking to incorporate a visual? This graphic organizer has them illustrate the literal meaning as well!
Ready to Write?
Take another opportunity to walk, with notebook and writing implement in hand this time. Encourage your students to jot down what they hear, see, feel, and smell on their autumnal jaunt. Have them work with a partner work these details into similes or metaphors.
They can then craft a paragraph (or a poem!), incorporating three to five of their similes or metaphors in the end product. Be sure to allow time for students to share their creations! That will make your Friday especially fun!
Looking for some additional ideas? Check out this creative writing lesson plan!
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