Describing Characters in James and the Giant Peach using Similes

Describing Characters in James and the Giant Peach using Similes

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify similes and use them to describe characters in James and the Giant Peach.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about similes and how they can be used in writing?

What are Similes?

Similes are comparisons between two things using the words 'like' or 'as'. They help the reader understand the character or object being described.

Explain the definition of a simile and give examples of similes for students to understand.

Examples of Similes

Examples of similes include 'as brave as a lion' or 'like a fish out of water'.

Give students more examples of similes to help them understand how they can be used in writing.

Characters in James and the Giant Peach

James, Aunt Sponge, and Aunt Spiker are some of the characters in James and the Giant Peach.

Introduce the characters in the story to students and explain how they will be using similes to describe them.

Describing James using Similes

James is like a curious mouse exploring a new house. He is as determined as a marathon runner.

Give students an example of how to use similes to describe James and explain how the similes help the reader understand James better.

Describing Aunt Sponge using Similes

Aunt Sponge is as greedy as a pig at a trough. Her eyes are like vultures looking for prey.

Give students an example of how to use similes to describe Aunt Sponge and explain how the similes help the reader understand her character.

Describing Aunt Spiker using Similes

Aunt Spiker is as mean as a snake waiting to strike. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard.

Give students an example of how to use similes to describe Aunt Spiker and explain how the similes help the reader understand her character.

Practice Time!

Choose one of the characters from James and the Giant Peach and use similes to describe them. Be sure to use 'like' or 'as' in your comparison.

Give students time to practice using similes to describe characters from the story. Circulate the classroom to give feedback and answer any questions.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.