Storm and weather lines from poetry, such as "The wind was a howling wolf" and "Raindrops danced like tiny acrobats," drive this 3-page 5th grade figurative language sheet. Students match each line first to the two things it compares, then to its literal meaning. A short writing task asks them to explain one comparison and write their own thunderstorm simile. The sheet practices RL.5.4, and the answer key gives both matching sets plus sample written answers.
RL.5.4
“Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.”
Both matching tables, where students decode lines like "Lightning flashed like a camera's bulb," plus the Beyond Matching explanation of one comparison.
Students write a letter to pair each of six lines with its two parts, such as "The sun is a golden coin" with the sun and a piece of money. Number 1 is done for them: the howling wolf line matches wind and a wild dog.
The lines return with plain meanings to choose from, such as "The storm was making loud, scary noises." Line 6 changes to "The afternoon heat is a thick swamp," which means the air felt hot and hard to breathe.
Students pick one comparison, explain why the poet paired those two things, and write an original simile about a thunderstorm. A cartoon storm cloud sits beside the box.
Poetry unit
Use it the day you introduce metaphor and simile side by side. Before students match, have them circle "like" in lines 2, 3, and 6 of the first table so the similes stand out.
Watch line 6
The second table swaps in a new line 6 about the swamp. Students on autopilot copy their first answer, so mention the change before they start.
Writing warm-up
Expect the thunderstorm simile to take about five minutes. Read a few aloud and let the class decide whether each one uses "like" or "as" correctly.
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