Similes & Metaphors
Understand and identify similes (comparisons using like or as) and metaphors (direct comparisons stating something is something else) in texts, explaining how each creates imagery and conveys meaning
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is developing sophisticated language skills — understanding figurative language like metaphors and similes, learning word relationships through synonyms and antonyms, and using Greek and Latin word parts to figure out unfamiliar words.
Evidence of understanding
- Identify similes in a text by locating comparisons using 'like' or 'as' and explain what two things are being compared and what quality is highlighted, e.g. 'The snow was like a white blanket'
- Identify metaphors in a text and explain the implied comparison, e.g. in 'Time is a thief', explain that time is compared to a thief because it takes things away
- Explain how a simile or metaphor in a poem or story creates a particular image or feeling for the reader that a literal description would not achieve
Assessment prompt
When Similes & Metaphors reads a description like "the moon was a silver coin" or "her smile was like sunshine," can they explain what image the author was trying to create?
Standards alignment
L.4.5a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 4
L.5.5a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5
RL.5.4
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5