The K5 - elementary education for parents

It’s time for similes and metaphors next week. And do you remember the difference between them?  And how do I explain them to my kid?  Arghhh…does it bring you back to that nasty grammar class in 6^th grade.  Help is here.

It’s all about “as or like” and “is”.

Let’s start with a simile.

A simile is an approximation. It’s something that almost “is” but just isn’t, and that is why we use the words “like” or “as”.  For example:

“That dog looks LIKE a wolf.”  The dog isn’t a wolf but looks like one so SEEMS like one.

A sunny day at the beach is AS nice as a three-month vacation.”  Even though it may FEEL as good as a three-month vacation, a sunny day does not equate TO a three-month vacation. Again, it is an approximation.

Now, a metaphor is a different story. It’s not an approximation. It is an equation. For example, you’re saying exactly what the thing is but using an image.

“An artery is a super-highway for blood in the body.”  An artery isn’t really a super-highway for blood, but it equates TO what the artery actual does, which is carry blood through the body.

“That teacher was a real gem.”  Now the teacher wasn’t an actual a gem, but the teacher is someone that is valued and important.

Simile = as or like

Metaphor = is or was

Now, here’s the activity:

1. Fold an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of white paper into 1/4ths
2. Take a pen and draw a line around each box, like they are a picture frame.
3. Have your child write the sentences that describe each picture on a separate pieces of paper
4. Have your child draw a picture of two metaphors and two similes.
5. Now you have to match each sentence with the appropriate metaphor or simile.

Here’s an example of one of my student’s work:

Understanding the difference between similes and metaphors can be as easy as cutting warm butter.  At least I hope.