Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Metaphor: Day Two


As I do every time I have introduced a new literary device, I began day two reviewing the device. W e had a short discussion on metaphor, the children readily recalling what it was, and began reading a short, sweet little story.

Dragon Scales and Willow Leaves is a lovely, simple little story about a set of twins. Ben is more fanciful, while Rachel is more practical. As they walk through the forest, Ben encounters a number of mythical beasties, while Rachel just sees the nature all around her. The book is filled with simple metaphors that are easy to pick up on. When entering the forest, Ben meets up with a "dragon". His sword is like an angry bee and his shield like a wall as dragon scales go swirling through the air around him. Meanwhile, Rachel enjoys the loveliness of the willow leaves as they fall through the air to carpet the ground in a blanket of green and gold.

Sometimes, it takes a short, simple story to more easily demonstrate the literary device you are teaching. A small number of kids remained uncertain/unclear about metaphors yesterday. After today's simple lesson, they all really seemed to get it! Yay!

3 comments:

Jess T said...

Yay! That is so great. :) You are a great teacher, Rach.

Mimi's Toes said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I have been following your wife's blog on a daily basis and didn't realize you had your own now. It looks great...You have a precious little angel that I am enjoying watching grow up. I LOVE teachers...Great Blog...

Kelly said...

Children's books are amazing. EVERYONE can benefit from them too, not just little ones. It's great that you use a variety of children's books in your classroom, Rach. I know your students love it and LEARN from it!