We’re going to explore metaphor! Metaphors draw comparisons between two different objects. Metaphors help deepen our sense of one object by comparing it to another. Take this metaphor for example: “The lake is like glass tonight.” By comparing the lake to something flat and still, we understand that the lake is particularly calm on this night.

We’ll create our own metaphors out of objects we find outside! I want us to think of our objects in terms of the five senses. The five senses help us better observe the world around us! Can you name all five?  

1.    Smell
2.    Taste
3.    Touch
4.    Sight/seeing
5.    Hearing

Step 1: Grab a paper and pencil, and go outside! Take several minutes to observe the space around you. Are plants growing nearby? Do weeds come up from the sidewalk? Can you hear birds singing? Is there a breeze? Pick something from this outdoor space that stands out to you.

Step 2: Once you have your object write it at the top your piece of paper. Think of a second object that immediately comes to mind when you see this object. Write this second object on the other side of your paper.

Step 3: Flip the paper back over and return to your first object. We’re going to observe this object using the five senses! Look at the questions below and write down your answers. (You don’t need to answer all of them.)

Does your object make a sound?
If so, how many different sounds does it make?
What does it sound like to you?
Does your object smell?
Does it smell sweet? Sour?
Consider what your object looks like. What colors does it have?
What shape is it?
Is it large, small?

Step 3: Flip the page back over to your second object—this is the one we compared to the first! Now below this word write all of its qualities. You can write down all the things you observe immediately, but if you need feel free to use the questions below as a helpful guide:

Does your object make sounds?
If so, how many different sounds does it make?
What does it sound like to you?
Does your object smell?
Does it smell sweet? Sour?
Consider what your object looks like. What colors does it have?
What shape is it?
Is it large, small?

Step 4: How many qualities are shared between these two objects? Highlight those that are similar.

Step 5: Write a metaphor poem comparing these two objects starting with the line below. Don’t stop at this first line—keep writing about your first object. Write anything you want! Remember the five senses and think of why you chose this object in the first place.

My ____(1st object)____ is a _____(2nd object)____.

If you need some examples to get you going, here is one by a 7th grader! This example is taken from the collection Poetry Everywhere.

Night is a bear
roaring and going around in circles
chasing ants to gobble them
up.

Anonymous (7th grade)

Step 6: Read your metaphor poem aloud and share with a friend!