Similes vs. Metaphors: Whats What?

Teacher: Daniella Simari

Date: 1/12/17
Intended Grades: 4-6
Subject: English Language Arts

Objective: Students will be able to explain the difference between a metaphor and a simile
by assessing multiple texts in the form of song lyrics and finally writing short poems
incorporating a minimum amount of similes and metaphors generated originally.

Introduction/Hook: Students will participate in a Simile Says game, incorporating loud animal
noises and large amounts of body movement. The game will familiarize students with the ability
to quickly find the words like and as when a comparison is made, and therefore understand
the difference between a simile and a metaphor. It is played like Simon Says, with the
exception that the action can only be copied by the player if the leader uses the words like or
as in their direction of the action.

Explanation: The teacher will explain the difference between a metaphor and simile, referring
to their dictionary definitions and providing examples of each, writing them on the board for
students to both hear and refer back to throughout the group assignment.

Vocabulary:
Simile: A comparison of two seemingly unrelated things that are compared to one
another using the words like or as. Example: He was as cold as ice.
Metaphor: A comparison between two seemingly unrelated things but doesnt use the
words like or as when making a comparison. Example: She is such a little angel."
Connotation: An idea or feeling about a word or phrase in terms of the way the word or
phrase is said or meant.
Comparison: The differences and similarities distinguished between two different
things.

Assignment: The teacher will provide the students with lyrics to 3 songs that incorporate
similes and metaphors in their texts. After students volunteer to read aloud the lyrics of Its
My Life by Bon Jovi, Drops of Jupiter by Train, and My Hearts a Stereo by Maroon 5, the
students will be asked to identify the similes and metaphors in each song, as well as what
makes each a simile and not a metaphor and vice-versa. Then the students will respectfully
listen to the songs played aloud. Finally, students will be asked to produce a metaphor or simile
of their own and share it with a shoulder partner.

Essential Questions:
What is a simile? What makes the example shown here a simile?
What is a metaphor? What makes the example shown here a metaphor?
Create an example of a metaphor.
 Create an example of a simile.
What is the difference between a simile and metaphor?
Is this example shown here a simile or a metaphor?
Why do writers use metaphors and similes?
Why would a writer use a simile instead of a metaphor? Why would a writer use a
metaphor instead of a simile?

Assessment: Students will be asked to generate an extended response in terms of creating

individual poems that include the language previously discussed in class. At least 2 similes and 1
metaphor must be incorporated into a minimum 5-line poem regarding their best friend or
close family member. The teacher will share a personal example of the assignment to provide a
reference for students to understand what is expected. Students would then share their poem
with a shoulder partner to be critiqued. After revision, the students would volunteer to read
aloud their individual poems and finally the poems would be handed to the teacher for
assessment of mastery.

Common Core Standards: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking Standards for grades 4-6
are met in this lesson.

Comprehension Strategies (Aligned with New Yorks Common Core):

Work cooperatively with others to determine meaning
Use text structure to recognize differences among a variety of texts
State a point of view and support it with details from the text
Read voluntarily for differing purposes
Write voluntarily to communicate ideas and emotions to a variety of audiences
Write voluntarily for different purposes
Listen respectfully, and without interrupting, when others speak
Offer feedback to others
Use age-appropriate vocabulary to communicate ideas
Use grammatically correct sentences when speaking