Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards:
L.4.5a
Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
North Carolina - Standard Course of Study:
L.4.5.a
New York State Next Generation Learning Standards:
4L5a
Tennessee Academic Standards:
4.FL.VA.7b.i
Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors in context.
Ohio's Learning Standards:
L.4.5.a
Explain the meaning of simple similes and
metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in
context.
Wisconsin Academic Standards:
L.4.3.a
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as similes and metaphors.
4th Grade Writing - Similes and Metaphors Lesson
Simile
A simile compares two, unlike things using the words “like” or “as.”
Example: This laptop is as light as a feather.
This sentence compares two, unlike things: a laptop and a feather. It uses the word “as” to show that the laptop is very light, or not heavy.
Example: His smile is like a ray of sunshine.
This sentence compares two, unlike things: a person’s smile and a ray of sunshine. It uses the word “like” to show that the smile is very big and happy looking.
Metaphor
A metaphor compares two, unlike things by saying one is the other.
Example: The car was a large boulder.
This sentence compares two, unlike things: a car and a boulder. It says that the car “was” a large boulder to show that the car was large and heavy.