Quinty, Poetry Unit

Lesson 5-6: Simile and Metaphor

(2-Day Lesson)
Objective and Goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.

After identifying examples of similes and metaphors in a pop song, students will write a paraphrased version
of the song in order to display an understanding of the figurative language device.
When given a list of similes and metaphors, students will be able to compare and contrast the two and
collaboratively develop a statement of differentiation.
When given a list of examples, students will be able to differentiate between similes and metaphors with at
least 80% accuracy.
When given a topic, students will write at least 1 simile and 1 metaphor.

Standards/Topics/Skills:

Materials:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.5.A
-simile
-metaphor
-close reading skills
-comprehension

+lyrics print out to Fight Song by Rachel Platten

+Poetry Analysis worksheet
+lyrical video of Fight Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpdCJh_TWks
+Anchor worksheet Similes vs. Metaphors
+Similes and metaphors worksheet
+Lined paper (one per small group)

Pre-Assessment:

Hook:

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Lesson 1, identifying atypical examples of

poetry, summative assessment providing
examples.
Analyzing stanza 1 of verse is pre-assessment.
Close reading lessons week prior, pre-assesses
student understanding of text analysis.

Students popcorn read the lyrics to the pop song,

Fight Song - leaving the title unlisted. (Students
should begin recognizing poem as the pop song).
Play the youtube video of Fight Song and have
students write down a summary of the first stanza.

Sequence of Instruction:
Day 1:
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Day 2:

Students popcorn read aloud the lyrics to Fight Song. Explain that the close reading process also works in
poetry, thus, in songs.
Play youtube lyrical video of the song having students pay attention to lyrics.
Students write on poetry analysis worksheet their initial ideas about the song and summarize the first stanza.
Distribute simile and metaphor anchor worksheets. Students read examples with small group and develop a
definition and statement of differentiation between similes and metaphors. (write on lined paper)
Whole group - share statements from each table, develop a collaborative definition of similes and metaphors
and a statement of differentiation. Record on anchor worksheet.
Identify which examples are similes and which are metaphors
+ Similes and Metaphors worksheet.
+ #1-3 as whole group, #4-10 with partner, #10-18 individually.

What is the purpose of a simile or metaphor?

+ discuss literal vs. nonliteral language in given examples.
+ What two things are we comparing?
Return to Fight Song
+ What did you think the first stanza was about? Share with partner. Popsicle stick response.
+ Do you notice any similes or metaphors in stanza 1?
+ What do you think the first stanza is about now? Think-Pair-Share (students annotate).
+ Identify similes and metaphors throughout rest of poem. (whole group read through, ding ding ding
when you find an example)
+ How do similes and metaphors help support the authors message or purpose?
+ Why might you want to use similes or metaphors in your poetry?
+ Partner work- paraphrase (explain non-literal meaning) of remaining similes and metaphors in the
poem.
+ Bonus: what is the authors message of this song?

Formative Assessment

Summative Assessment

+Review written summaries of stanza 1

+ Review small group lined paper definitions and
statements of differentiation.
+Identifying simile or metaphor - hand symbols (S is
sign language, M is three fingers facing down).
+ Sample volunteers and cold calling (popsicle
sticks) in Fight Song discussion.
+ding ding ding while reading to identify examples.

+Rating scale used to assess work with Fight Song.

-- focus on students ability to : identify similes and
metaphors, differentiate between simile and metaphors,
find a non-literal meaning, complete the assignment, etc.
+This skill of using similes and metaphors will continue to
be assessed within each original poem created
throughout the unit (specifically in the Sensory Poem in
lesson 8)