*This lesson coincides with Chapter 2, “That’s not logical” from A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech

 Written by: Melissa Van Peursem & Mary Garey

Suggested Books (paid link)

Grade level range: 3-5

Time: 1-2 hours

Common Core Standards:  RL.3.3  Students will be able [to create metaphors] to describe characters in a story,  RL.4.3  Students will be able [to create metaphors] to describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story,  RL.5.3  Students will be able [to create metaphors] to compare and contrast 2 or more characters in a story, settings or events in a story or drama, drawing on details and how characters interact

Supplies:  Sentence strips, drawing paper, crayons or other medium, graphic organizers, fairytale books, Shel Silverstein Books, Assessment rubric

Step by Step Lesson Description:

Intro: shelsilverstein.com for video intro (approximately 1 – 2 minutes)  OR Read a favorite poem from one of his poetry books

Give/elicit students examples of metaphors using a favorite storybook or fairytale character.  Take character apart and give examples of non-literal comparisons.  Ie. How is Cinderella like a suitcase (or other comparison)?

Elicit ideas and list on smart board or chart paper, discuss.

Have students select a character (or assign one) to compare using the same process.

Work in pairs/small groups to develop comparisons using a graphic organizer (10 minutes).

Draw an example of their character metaphorically.

Present to the class.

Assessment: Use the following rubric to assess metaphors.