Unit: Poetry

in Motion

Lesson: 3 Figurative Language (Similes and Metaphors)

Date:
Year Level: 5

Key Learning Area: English

Curriculum Outcome: Understand, interpret and experiment with sound devices and

imagery, including simile, metaphor and personification, in narratives, shape poetry, songs,
anthems and odes (ACELT1611)
Learning Intention (WALT): Use and understand figurative language
Success Criteria (WILF):
Identify similes and metaphors
Explain what a simile or metaphor means
Change a simile to a metaphor
Time

Introduction

5 min

Today we are continuing to use figurative language,

looking at Similes and Metaphors

Notes and Resources

Discuss WALT: Use and understand figurative

language (reiterate what the purpose of figurative
language is).
and WILF:
You are able to identify similes and metaphors
You can explain what a simile or metaphor
means
You can change a simile to a metaphor
Time

Main Content

Notes and Resources

5 min

Show YouTube clip on Similes and Metaphors.

Poetry in Motion Webmix

Similes and Metaphors

Similes are comparisons of things that have

something in common. In the comparison, the writer
uses the words like or as.
"His feet were as cold as ice"
Metaphors are also comparisons, but a metaphor
does not contain the word like or as.
"The branches of the old tree were long fingers

10 min

scratching at the window"

25 min

Now we are going to write our own similes.

In your writing books complete the phrase
Friendship is like a(n).
Share ideas.
Next we are going to change these to metaphors by
omitting the word like
Friendship is.
Listen to the Owl Moon You Tube clip.
Listen to this story and see if you can hear
comparisons in it. Note down some comparisons you
hear.
Trees

Giant statues

Face

Silver mask

Cold

Icy palm

Poetry in Motion Webmix

Owl Moon YouTube

Discuss the comparisons students found.

Project the Owl Moon pdf onto the whiteboard.
Highlight examples of similes and metaphors as you
reread Owl Moon on the pdf

Poetry in Motion Webmix

Owl Moon pdf

Discuss the meanings of these similes/metaphors.

e.g. But I was a shadow as we walked home
(I walked home without making a sound)
Choose a simile we have highlighted and see if you
can change it into a metaphor. Think about what you
need to omit to make it a metaphor.
NOTE Students may also recognise personification
in this text.
Discuss with students that the author has used a
combination of personification, similes and
metaphors.
Time

Conclusion

5 min

Return to WALT and WILF

Notes and Resources

Were you successful today? Turn to the person next

to you and give them an example of how you were
successful today.
Homework - Post to class Edmodo

Edmodo

Watch the other Similes and Metaphor clip from the Poetry in

Poetry in Motion Webmix

Motion Webmix.
Now write a simile about yourself. Can you change it to a metaphor?

Similes and Metaphors

(yellow)

Mrs. Whyte is as wise as an owl. (simile)

Mrs. Whyte is a wise old owl. (metaphor)
Post them on this page.
Resources

Symbaloo Poetry in Motion Webmix

Owl Moon YouTube https://www.symbaloo.com/home/mix/13ePLR59W0
Owl Moon pdf http://www.mw.k12.ny.us/webpages/ademattos/files/owl_moon.pdf