Similes and Metaphors

Similes and metaphors are two literary devices that can be extremely useful for young authors to use in their own writing. Both similes and metaphors are used in writing to make comparisons between two things that are not alike to express a certain meaning to the readers. Like other types of figurative language, similes and metaphors are useful in writing to express meaning in a non-literal way, making your writing more interesting! Let’s dive in.

What are similes?

Similes are a type of figurative language that use “like” or “as” to describe something.

What are metaphors?

Metaphors are a type of figurative language that describe something as if it were something else.

What’s the difference between similes and metaphors?

Although similes and metaphors are similar because they both make comparisons between two things, they have one important difference. Similes make comparisons by comparing something to something else. On the other hand, metaphors make comparisons by expressing that something is something else. This may sound confusing, which is why we’ve provided a few examples in the next section.

Examples of Similes and Metaphors

These examples will help your child understand what similes and metaphors are and how they differ! Remember, similes use comparisons to other things whereas metaphors say that something is something else in order to make a comparison.

Activities on similes and metaphors

Similes and metaphors are tricky literary devices for young children to understand and master. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of activities to try at home with your child writer to help them practice the knowledge they’ve learned today! Have your child give these activities a try:

1. Read books with your child and ask them to spot whenever a simile or metaphor is used.
2. Give your child a simile or metaphor and ask them to draw a picture of it.
3. Challenge your child to write sentences using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
4. Give children a set of five similes and metaphors. Now ask them to include them all in their own story.
5. Challenge children to write a simile poem where each line includes a different simile.

Activity & Resource

Now that we’ve reviewed similes and metaphors, provided examples of each, and come up with at-home activities, we have a few downloadable resources for your child writer to look at. These are a great way to get them started with simile and metaphor practice!