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Classroom · Grammar · 5th grade
Similes and metaphors worksheets
A free five-page pack: learn the rule with pictures, then sort words, find them in sentences and use them in writing, with an answer key.
Watch it solved
50 sec · with voice and captionsA pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.
Read what the video says
- 0:00 Let's practice similes and metaphors, step by step.
- 0:04 A simile compares two things using like or as (as busy as a bee). A metaphor says that one thing is another (the classroom was a zoo). For example: My brother runs like a rocket, and his room is a jungle.
- 0:19 Look and say: bee, lion, snail.
- 0:23 Read each word, and write it in the right box. As light as a feather goes in the simile box.
- 0:32 Read each sentence. Circle the simile or metaphor. The snow was a white blanket.
- 0:39 Finish each simile with a word from the box. As cold as ice
- 0:44 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.
The rule
The ruleA simile compares two things using like or as (as busy as a bee). A metaphor says that one thing is another (the classroom was a zoo).
My brother runs like a rocket, and his room is a jungle.
Look and say
- beeas busy as a bee
- lionas brave as a lion
- snailas slow as a snail
- featheras light as a feather
- iceas cold as ice
- rocketran like a rocket
- sunshineHer smile was sunshine.
- zooThe room was a zoo.
Try some
The snow was a white blanket.The snow was a white blanket.Show answer
He was as quiet as a mouse.He was as quiet as a mouse.Show answer
She swims like a fish.She swims like a fish.Show answer
The stars were diamonds.The stars were diamonds.Show answer
This bag is as light as a feather.This bag is as light as a feather.Show answer
My dog runs like the wind.My dog runs like the wind.Show answer
The kitchen was an oven.The kitchen was an oven.Show answer
The baby slept like a log.The baby slept like a log.Show answer
Find the words in each sentence, then tap to check.
What the worksheets look like
Common questions
What are similes and metaphors?
A simile compares two things using like or as (as busy as a bee). A metaphor says that one thing is another (the classroom was a zoo).
How do I teach similes and metaphors?
Ask children what the two things have in common: as busy as a bee works because bees never seem to stop. Then let them invent fresh comparisons of their own, which are often better than the familiar ones.
What mistake should I watch for?
Calling every sentence with like a simile, as in "I like pizza." A simile must compare two different things.
What grade learns similes and metaphors?
Usually 5th grade. In the Common Core it is part of L.5.5a.
