Learning goals
We are learning to…
- apply our knowledge and skills in reading and writing to support our learning
- read simple texts using our knowledge
- identify similes in simple sentences and describe how it helps share meaning
- create specific types of texts using different tools and strategies
Success criteria
I am able to…
- apply my skills to read simple texts which use simile
- identify similes in short passages and describe how it helps share meaning and make the writing more interesting
- create my own examples of similes
Dragon breaths
Find a comfortable position. It’s time to breathe like a dragon. Take a deep breath in, and when you breathe out through your mouth, pretend that you are breathing out fire.
Breathe in fast, letting the air swish.
Dragon Breaths
How did you feel when you were breathing like a dragon?
What kind of words could you use to describe a dragon breathing fire?
Adjectives
An adjective is a word that describes something by telling us more about it. Adjectives can describe how something looks, feels, sounds, tastes, or acts.
An adjective can be used to describe a noun. A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or an idea.
For example, if we were describing the noun pineapple, we might use the following words:
Explore the following video of a bee collecting nectar from flowers. As you watch, think about how you would describe the bee using adjectives.
What are some adjectives to describe the bee?
Press Reveal to check your answer.
- yellow
- black
- fuzzy
Adjectives help make our writing more interesting and fun. We can use adjectives in different ways. One way to use adjectives is with similes.
Similes
A simile is when you compare two things using the words “like” or “as.”
Student Tips
Student tips
When you compare one thing to another, it can help a reader visualize what you are talking about. Visualizing is when you see a picture in your mind.
Let’s have fun with some similes about animals!
Explore the following similes and think about the following questions:
- Does the animal move slow or fast?
- Does the animal run or walk?
- Does the animal hop or swim?
With or without?
Let’s explore two paragraphs. One has similes and one does not. Which one do you find more interesting?
The Science Fair
The Science Fair: Paragraph one.Ava was rushing around getting ready for the science fair. She was very busy. Soon it would be her turn to present. Ava was quiet while others talked about their projects. Then it was her turn. She took a deep breath and started to share. She was very brave and finished her presentation!
The Science Fair: Paragraph two.Ava was rushing around getting ready for the science fair. She was busy as a bee. Soon it would be her turn to present. Ava was quiet as a mouse while others talked about their projects. Then it was her turn. She took a deep breath and started to share. She was brave like a lion and finished her presentation!
Paragraph One
Paragraph Two
Which one did you like better?
Did the paragraph with the similes help you visualize the story?
Share your thoughts with a partner, if possible.
Word work
Let’s learn some adjectives!
- frosty, chilled
- heroic, fearless
- quick, swift
Do you know the meaning of these words?
Are there any you do not know?
Press Definitions to reveal the meaning of each adjective.
|
Frosty |
freezing or very cold |
|
Chilled |
feeling cold |
|
Heroic |
bold and filled with courage |
|
Fearless |
not afraid |
|
Quick |
to move with speed |
|
Swift |
a fast movement |
Can you think of other words that are similar to these words?
Record your words using a method of your choice.
Printing practice
Check out the following video to warm up your hands for printing!
Let’s practice printing out a few adjectives.
Explore the following words. Use your notebook or a method of your choice to practice printing each word.
Which words starts with a tall letter?
Press Hint to learn more.
The word "fearless" begins with a tall letter.
Let's check!
Match each set of adjectives to the simile that best describes their meaning.
Silly similes!
Now it’s time to create your own similes using “like” or “as”!
Complete the fillable and printable Sentences with Similes Activity in your notebook or using the following document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
You may use the sentence starters in the document or come up with your own. Be as creative as you can!
Let’s review similes!
For each sentence, select the missing word from the drop-down menu. Press Check Answer to see how you did.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.