Grinch Simile Writing

The story of the Grinch has a TON of figurative language.  The children were having so much fun on Grinch day they didn't realize we were still so busy learning.  One of our Common Core first grade objectives is to understand figurative language.

We discussed the similes in the Grinch and then worked on writing our own similes.  First, we brainstormed lists of adjectives that describe the Grinch.  The children came up with some great words: furry, rotten, nasty, clever, lonely.  We continued with adjectives by listing words that described the Grinch's heart at the beginning of the story (tiny, empty, cold) and the end of the story (large, caring, happy).

Then it was time to write.  The students had to use a word on each chart to write a simile.  These first graders are incredibly creative.  Here are a couple typed examples:

The Grinch is as green as a crocodile.  His heart was as hard as a rock.  At the end, the Grinch's heart was as nice as a baby kitten.  ~By Emma

The Grinch is as stinky as a skunk.  His heart was as hard as a statue.  At the end, the Grinch's heart was as happy as a kid on his birthday.  ~By Karter

We also did some directed drawing to go with our writing.  The children are so proud of their drawings.  They should be because they worked so hard!