Grades 6–8
60+ Minutes
Narrative, Poetry
VideosCarter Higgins is a writer and illustrator of children’s books: her first book in both of these roles, Circle Under Berry, was named a Best Book of 2021 by Publisher’s Weekly, Smithosian Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. Higgins is a visual storyteller who designs fun and playful literacy experiences for young readers and writers.
You will learn the difference between metaphors and similes, as well as a process to help them create their own metaphors.
Step 1
First, watch the video and read the mentor text in the Pick Up Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar with Carter Higgins—Handouts. In your writing journal, write down what you notice: What was your favorite part of this poem? What is the main subject that the poem compares to a chair, a backbone, and a typewriter?
Step 2
Next, you will brainstorm sensory adjectives that connect to the 5 senses. Metaphors compare two things, without using the words “like” or “as.” Metaphors rely on descriptive details and sensory language to connect and compare 2 things that might not seem like they have a lot in common. In your writing journal, write down the 5 senses (sight, sound, taste, touch/feeling, smell). Then, write an example of a sensory adjective that matches that sense. For example, your page could look like this:
Sight – colorful ...
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