Moss Teaches

Extra Credit – Simile Search

December 16, 2011 | Posted in: Class Updates

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Today, the kids learned about similes.  We discussed how similes can be far more effective than traditional descriptions in helping the reader to genuinely imagine part of a text in their mind.  Grown-ups, here is a quick review of what rules we agreed upon in class:

  • Similes compare two UNLIKE things using the word LIKE or the word AS.
  • Similes take an item or feeling or trait that you’re seeking to describe and compare it to someone or something KNOWN for having this characteristic.  For example, we could say “As Alice waited to be called upon, her eager hand reached high into the air like a SKYSCRAPER” (known for its height) or a ROCKET (again, known for it’s height) or an AIRPLANE or HOT AIR BALLOON or OAK TREE (all known for their height).  It would not be appropriate to compare Alice’s raised hand to an apartment building, because while an apartment building CAN be very tall, they aren’t instinctively KNOWN for their height.
  • Similes should not have to overly explain a situation in which the comparison works.  For example:  “The camp site was as dark as Avon during the power outage when everyone’s generators ran out of gasoline.”  (Too complicated!)  Some explanation can help, however, such as:  “The supermarket was as busy as Times Square on New Year’s Eve!”  or  “The mall was as crowded as Grand Central Station during rush hour!”
I didn’t have time in the day to give the kids much of a chance to practice making similes, and while we will certainly review and practice this week, I wanted to give the kids a chance to practice over the weekend.  I’m making an OPTIONAL extra credit assignment:
Create some outstanding simile sentences.  You can use some of my examples (see below) or create your own.  Remember to use the rules I shared (above) when crafting your similes.  Write these on paper and put a star next to the one you’re the most proud of.  Bring in your list on Monday, and we’ll anonymously share the starred entries.  We’ll vote on the best simile, and that person will earn a homework pass.  ALL STUDENTS who participate (by returning a list) will earn a chance.  (This is the extra credit.  No other extra credit will be given.)
I can’t wait to see what you come up with, kids!  Have fun!

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