Figurative Language — Simile

Simile is the first figure of speech children learn to name. 'Her smile was like sunshine' — the 'like' is the signal. Indirect aim: rhetorical analysis, preparation for metaphor, poetic composition.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Style & Figurative Language
• Level: Ages 7-9

Objectives

• Define simile as explicit comparison using 'like' or 'as'
• Identify similes in literature
• Compose original similes
• Distinguish from metaphor

Materials

• Literature excerpts with clearly marked similes
• Simile worksheet for identification
• Poetry journal
• Examples from Homer, Shakespeare, modern songs

Instructions

1. Read a passage: 'The ocean was as wild as a pack of wolves'. 2. Identify the simile — signal word 'as'. 3. Discuss: what two things are compared? 4. Find five more similes in literature. 5. Compose three original similes comparing ordinary things. 6. Try: 'The morning light was like '. 7. Share and revise with a peer. 8. File in poetry journal.

Educator tip

The best similes surprise but illuminate. Encourage specificity — 'like a cat' beats 'like an animal'.

Assessment

Observe simile identification, quality of original composition, understanding of 'like'/'as' signal.

More from Language

• Figurative Language — Metaphor
• Figurative Language — Personification
• Comparative Research Report — Two-Subject Study
• Poetry — Form, Meter, and Original Composition
• Grammar Box 6 — The Verb with Full Presentation
• Grammar Box 7 — The Adverb
• Logical Agreement — Subject-Verb
• Active vs Passive Voice