English Language Arts · 9th Grade

Active learning ideas

Metaphor and Simile

Active learning helps students grasp metaphor and symbolism because these concepts require moving from abstract thinking to concrete application. When students collaborate to map symbols or transform abstract ideas into figurative language, they build deeper connections than passive study allows.

• Common Core State Standards
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.5

• 20–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Symbolism Map

Groups are given a central symbol from a text (e.g., 'The Green Light' or 'The Mockingbird'). They must find three different scenes where it appears and explain how its meaning 'evolves' or 'changes' as the story progresses.

How does an extended metaphor sustain a theme throughout an entire poem?

Facilitation Tip

During the Symbolism Map, ask groups to justify their symbol choices by pointing to specific lines in the text before moving to abstraction.

What to look for

Provide students with a short poem containing both metaphors and similes. Ask them to identify one metaphor and one simile, then write one sentence explaining the literal meaning of each comparison and one sentence explaining the deeper meaning or emotion conveyed.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 30 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Abstract to Concrete

Post abstract concepts (e.g., 'Betrayal,' 'Hope,' 'Ambition') around the room. Students move in pairs and must draw or find a 'concrete object' that could represent that concept, explaining the 'logic' of their symbol on a sticky note.

Why do poets often use concrete objects to represent abstract concepts?

Facilitation Tip

In the Gallery Walk, have students write sticky notes with concrete-to-abstract translations to post alongside each image.

What to look for

Present students with two poems, one that relies heavily on similes and another that uses an extended metaphor. Pose the question: 'Which poem's central idea or emotion is more powerfully conveyed, and why? Consider the specific choices the poet made with figurative language.'

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Extended Metaphor Challenge

Students are given a simple metaphor (e.g., 'Life is a video game'). They pair up to 'extend' it by finding three more points of comparison (e.g., 'levels,' 'boss fights,' 'extra lives') and explaining what each represents in real life.

Compare the impact of a simile versus a metaphor in conveying a specific image or emotion.

Facilitation Tip

For the Extended Metaphor Challenge, require students to include a theme statement that their metaphor supports before sharing with peers.

What to look for

Display a concrete image (e.g., a wilting flower, a locked door) and ask students to write two sentences: one abstract concept it could represent, and one simile or metaphor to connect the image to that concept.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with concrete examples before moving to abstract texts. Use student-generated examples first, then contrast those with canonical works. Research shows that when students create their own metaphors, they better understand how authors use them intentionally. Avoid over-explaining symbols—let students debate interpretations using evidence from the text.

Students will confidently distinguish metaphors from similes, explain how extended metaphors develop theme, and justify interpretations of symbols using textual evidence. Their discussions will show evidence of close reading and critical analysis of figurative language.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Symbolism Map, watch for students who assume a symbol has only one meaning.

  Ask groups to list three possible meanings for each symbol and cite textual support for each interpretation.

• During the Extended Metaphor Challenge, watch for students who treat metaphors as decorative rather than meaningful.

  Have peers respond with questions like 'What does this metaphor reveal about the character or theme that isn’t stated directly?'

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Gallery Walk
• Think-Pair-Share