Figurative language is a topic that students begin in elementary school and continue all the way through high school. Hence, it is so crucial for students to truly understand the content! Two of the most used types of figurative language include similes and metaphors. Since there is a small difference between the two, it is so important to provide plenty of practice with simile and metaphor examples. The Simile and Metaphor Boom Cards , Simile and Metaphor Coly by Number Pixel Art Activity, and are three definite ways to help students with this tough skill!
What is the difference between similes and metaphors?
A simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” A metaphor is a comparison without using the words “like” or “as.” Therefore, they are very similar, but it is so important to be able to spot the difference! Also, the comparison can be between any two items, such as people or places. Another way to think about the difference is that while a simile makes a comparison, a metaphor is saying something is something else. This is done by omitting the words “like” and “as”.
- Example written as a simile: Luca is as sleepy as a bear.
- Same example written as a metaphor: Luca is a sleepy bear.
Simile and Metaphor Examples
All teachers know that children are more engaged when they are interested in the topic! Therefore, when learning what is the difference between simile and metaphors, interesting topics will be key. Thankfully, simile and metaphor examples can be made about pretty much any topic!
Sports Themed Examples
If your students love sports, here are some great simile and metaphor examples:
- Simile: The pitcher threw the ball as fast as lightning.
- Simile: She ran to the base as fast as a cheetah.
- Metaphor: She hit the ball into orbit.
Fairy Tale-Themed Examples
If your students love fairy tales, here are some great simile and metaphor examples:
- Simile: Rapunzel’s hair was as soft as clouds.
- Simile: Cinderella’s slippers were as shiny as the sun.
- Metaphor: The snow is a white blanket.
- Metaphor: The calm lake was a mirror about what was to come.
Animal Themed Examples
If your students love animals, here are some great simile and metaphor examples:
- Simile: She was brave as a lion on the rollercoaster.
- Simile: My mom was busy as a bee.
- Metaphor: The classroom was a zoo.
- Metaphor: The computers at school are old dinosaurs.
Food-Themed Examples
If your students love food, here are some great simile and metaphor examples:
- Simile: She was as busy as popcorn on a skillet.
- Simile: He was as sweet as honey to the new student.
- Metaphor: The siblings are walking on eggshells when together.
Unicorn and Mermaid-Themed Examples
If your students love unicorns and mermaids, here are some great simile and metaphor examples:
- Simile: The unicorn was as pink and fluffy as cotton candy.
- Metaphor: The mermaid’s tail is a rainbow after a storm.
Simile and Metaphor Boom Cards
Students will love learning about figurative language with topics that are interesting to them. Another great tool to use involves boom cards. This resource contains 36 simile and metaphor task cards and 8 simile and metaphor instructional pages. In order to independently help students, the instructional pages will show students how to determine the difference. Then, the first set of cards will be multiple choice questions asking students to find similes and metaphors. To add in more rigor, the next set involves having students choose whether the statement is a simile, metaphor, or neither. Lastly, students will answer questions that have them describe the meaning behind each simile. Therefore, this will be sure to help students who are struggling and provide enough challenge and practice for students who are grasping the content well. If you need to know more about Boom Cards click here!
This resource is so versatile that it can be used on paper or through Google Slides. If you select Google Slides, the task cards are also available in Google Forms. This packed unit is filled with worksheets, task cards, and a variety of activities. Everything can be completed as a whole class, in literary stations or centers, or in small groups. Additionally, there are 36 task cards with varying student requirements. Hence, students will not be completing the same activity the whole time. They will be different directions in order to ensure that students truly know how to tell the difference between similes and metaphors.
When learning how similes and metaphors are different, it will take time and practice. Students will need multiple examples of similes and metaphors. Also, it will be helpful to have guides on differentiating the two. By creating examples that relate to students and having them complete engaging activities, students will love learning about figurative language!
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