Have you ever considered what makes creative writing, well, creative? Coming up with a fascinating manner to express something is a critical element of creative writing. And similes and metaphors can be very useful in this situation. But what are similes and metaphors? What, more crucially, is the distinction between a simile and a metaphor?
This detailed simile vs metaphor tutorial answers both of these issues and helps you distinguish between these two important literary elements. This blog also contains important pointers for using similes and metaphors in your own writing.
Not just that the article is also equipped with some fun and engaging online games that will help make simile and metaphor lessons less tedious. So, don’t wait up read, play, and learn!
Simile vs Metaphor: How do they differ?
Both similes and metaphors are literary devices that writers use to compare two dissimilar things, ideas, events, etc., in a non-literal way. The two objects being compared usually have one feature in common but are otherwise entirely different.
So, what is the primary distinction between a simile and a metaphor? Although the two methods are pretty similar—they both serve the same function of comparing two different things figuratively (non-literal), they are not the same.
A simile is a form of metaphor in which the words “as” or “like” are used to compare two objects. This is commonly expressed as “A is similar to B” or “A is as (insert adjective) as B.” Metaphors, on the other hand, do not use the words “as” or “like.” To draw your comparison, you may write “A is B,” even though A is not the same as B.
The main point to remember here is that while all similes are metaphors, not all metaphors are similes. Now that you have hands-on knowledge of what similes and metaphors are and what benefit it has, you can check the next section to know how to incorporate the same in your lesson plan.
Online games to include in simile and metaphor lesson plan
Gamification has always been part of children’s life however very recently it has been included in kids’ lesson plans. At the same time, being able to use similes and metaphors can be a great example of being linguistically intelligent. Check how you can teach your children similes and metaphors easily and which games can be your support system.
1. Smiles Match-Up
The smiles match-up game is simple yet extremely helpful for kids. The game is based on a haunted theme where there are questions lined with photographic clues. All the child needs to do is select the correct answer, drag the image to the bracket and, when done, submit the answers for results.
As the game is built on a straightforward theme, it is easier for the children to follow. The game doesn’t divert their mind from what they came here for, which is learning. Furthermore, the element of muted fun doesn’t make learning monotonous. Not just that, the game has a competitive angle infused in it as there is a specific section designed for top scores and time.
2. Smilie and metaphor quiz
As the name suggests, the game is in the form of a quiz where there are multiple-choice answers to each question. You will be able to test your child’s level of understanding with the rhetorical questions in the game. You can begin the game by clicking start and then tapping the correct answer to climb the stairs of learning. The game has control options where you can change the question settings to your child’s preference.
The game will allow the child to learn the differences between similes and metaphors and what either of them curtains. So, you can include the quiz in the child’s lesson and help them greatly.
3. Shoot
The game is full of timed shooting and florid images and allows the user to test their skills on metaphors and similes in the most compelling way possible. You must aim, select your speed, and shoot the arrows as the wild monsters rush toward you. When you run out of arrows, you’ll be asked a question regarding a metaphor or simile. So, draw your arrows and fire down the responses to the barrage of metaphors and similes thrown at you!
This intriguing game is ideal for 4th students looking to broaden their understanding of Metaphors and Similes. The game will not feel like a pen-and-paper test but will serve its purpose.
4. Dino Skateboard
In this race-themed learning game, you may review figurative language words while smashing the skate park! Learners identify examples of figurative language as they race their dinosaur figure to the finish line in Dino Skateboarding: Figurative Language (Game 1)! This sixth-grade grammar game is excellent for practicing similes, metaphors, idioms, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole.
The benefit of the game is that the child has a learning experience with not just simile and metaphor but almost all figurative speech. Along with that, the problem with these figurative speeches, as mentioned above, is that children aren’t always capable of spotting the difference. As the game allows you to understand it all, the child will learn more than they will in a traditional book learning setup.
5. Super Similes Sloth Machine
You will notice a slot machine when you first start the game.’ On the right side of the machine, press the ‘Spin’ button. A simile will appear at the bottom of the machine as the images spin. Choose which image completes the simile and tap it (if you are lucky, you will get two or three of the correct picture). Then click ‘Spin’ once more. This game has three levels, but you must complete all of the similes in each one before moving on to the next.
The prime benefit of the game is that it functions in a clue theme where the child gets to learn with options. Furthermore, there are different levels of difficulties, so the child doesn’t feel stuck.
6. Metaphors VS Similes
This game is considered helpful primarily because it prompts a question along with options for the child to select from. The terms metaphor and similes are so often used together that even adults sometimes get confused in terms of their difference. To solve that difficulty, this game includes questions where the child needs to select which description it matches the most.
As mentioned above, the game helps clarify the differences. However, that is just not it. The game allows the child to operate for a limited time, where they must answer 20 questions in 50 seconds.
7. Sorting Metaphors
In this word categorization game, assist Muggo in sorting his thinking clouds. Players must place each metaphor in the appropriate basket. This entertaining game helps children become acquainted with specific figurative language, expanding their vocabulary. Kids will learn about metaphors as quickly as a fox with this cloud-sorting game! Players must first read each statement to ascertain its meaning before sorting it.
Understanding how authors utilize figurative language becomes increasingly important as students go to more complicated works. Students will revisit some figurative language, like similes and metaphors, they learned in fourth grade in this game. Analyzing how figurative language is employed in texts will assist readers in putting what they have learned into practice.
8. Cannonball Cats
Not just simile and metaphor, there are multiple more figurative speeches that all look similar, and making out the difference between the same can be challenging for kids. Therefore, this game can be the helping hand your child needs. The child must read the question in cannonball cats and select whether the sentence is a simile, metaphor, hyperbola, or personification. All you need to do is use your cannon to shoot the cats through the correct fire ring.
The prime benefit of the game is that not just simile and metaphor, a child can also learn about personification and hyperbole. The fun element of shooting the cannon saves the child from the monotony of learning.
Significance of having sound knowledge of simile and metaphor
Similes and metaphors can be found in many forms of literature, particularly poetry, and establishes the tone, elicits emotion, and gives depth to written works. These figures of speech can also be found in movies, television shows, and music. Youngsters will find them everywhere they go. To comprehend the literal meaning, It is critical to understand these literary devices.
1. Increases Reading Comprehension
Children who grasp these figurative languages can interpret and examine materials more deeply. They can comprehend the author’s choices as well as the overall meaning of a story or poem. This is useful in everyday life, class, and on necessary standardized tests.
2. Makes Communication Poetic And Beautiful
Figurative language enhances communication and language by making it more beautiful, colorful, and vibrant. It imparts a lyrical quality to speaking and writing that cannot be communicated in any other way. Children who acquire this skill will be able to use their imaginations and inventiveness. They’ll be able to express themselves in unique and exciting ways, and their words will be able to construct a compelling image.
3. Abstract Ideas And Concepts Become More Clear
Similes and metaphors aid in visualizing ideas and concepts. It has the ability to clarify abstract thoughts, concepts, and feelings. Furthermore, it inspires emotion, producing more appealing narratives and arguments. Students that use metaphorical language communicate clearly and convincingly.
4. English Becomes Easier To Learn For Second-Language Learners
Understanding and identifying metaphorical language is critical for second language learners to achieve fluency. This can be difficult because figurative language is ingrained in the culture. Students who understand the exact definition may believe they understand a term but need help to grasp the intended meaning. Teaching primary metaphors to second language learners directly improves their understanding of English.
Final thoughts
Figurative language, such as simile and metaphor, can sometimes simplify a complicated subject, but it can also complicate a simple idea. If you wish to spice up a sentence with metaphors, be sure you don’t confuse the meaning. Keep in mind that metaphorical language might be distracting, making it difficult for the reader to understand what you’re trying to communicate. Never forgo clarity for the sake of sounding nice—save figurative language for when you can have both. At the same time, just like some online games help with other concepts of English like grammar and vocabulary, certain games can aid kids and individuals understand these tricky sentences better.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,