Summary
Daniel explains similes (comparisons using like or as) and metaphors (direct comparisons without like or as), with engaging examples from literature and everyday speech. Covers how to identify and write both devices. A focused figurative language lesson for grades 3–5.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Similes and metaphors both compare two unlike things but in different ways.
- What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor? Give an example of each.
- What does "He was a lion on the soccer field" mean? What two things are being compared?
- Find a simile or metaphor in a book you're reading. What does it help you picture?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: simile, metaphor, comparison, figurative language, like, as, image.
Try it: Write 3 similes and 3 metaphors about school, weather, or sports. Share with a partner — guess which type each is.