Creating Simple Poetry with Similes

Teachers often balk at the prospect of teaching poetry to their students. There are so many elements to consider: structure, rhythm, rhyme, content, imagery… no wonder so many of us place poetry in the “too-hard” basket!

But here’s a little secret: poetry does not have to be so complicated! It’s unrealistic to expect our little learners to be writing Shakespearean sonnets or odes to pieces of pottery (that’s Keats, for those playing along at home!) The key to poetry is to start small and simple!

This resource has been designed to help your learners write a simple poem using similes. Similes are a form of figurative language that compare the characteristics of one thing to the characteristics of another using the words “like” or “as”. For example, He sprints as fast as lightning.

Using this classroom poster and template, students will write five similes to describe themselves. They will then draw a self-portrait to accompany their poem.

Suggested Application of This Simile Poem Activity

Looking to turn this one-page worksheet into a complete lesson? We can help with that, too!

1. Display the poster. Read the definition of a simile and discuss the simile poem example. Point out the use of the words “like” and “as”.
2. Brainstorming multiple ideas is always helpful with any creative writing task. On a separate piece of paper, have your students brainstorm all of their great qualities (these could include both physical appearance and personality).
3. Once they have chosen which five qualities to focus on, have them brainstorm other people, objects, natural phenomena, or animals that also possess that quality. For example, a child who describes themselves as cheerful might decide that sunny days are also cheerful, creating the simile: I am as cheerful as a sunny day.
4. Have your students write their similes in their preferred order onto the template. Encourage students to highlight these features and/or qualities in their self-portraits.

This poetry worksheet makes a great getting-to-know-you activity in the first week of a new school year. Display your students’ All About Me simile poems on a class bulletin board as a way of fostering a sense of belonging and community in your new class.

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