15+ Activities for Similes

Similes are everywhere—used in poems, conversations, songs, and stories. They breathe life into language by comparing one thing to another using words like “as” or “like.” Whether you’re a teacher searching for fun classroom ideas, a student learning literary devices, or a content creator hoping to add some sparkle to your writing, knowing how to explore and use similes is essential.

In this article, we’ll cover more than just activities—we’ll also look at the many ways to talk about “simile activities” using polite, professional, and casual language. You’ll also find user-friendly texting examples to help in real-world communication.

Let’s dive into 15+ unique, interactive activities for similes and how to talk about them creatively and appropriately across different settings.

🧠 What Is a Simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as.”
Example: She’s as graceful as a swan.
Similes create vivid imagery, enhance meaning, and make language more memorable. They’re especially useful in poetry, creative writing, and everyday speech.

🎨 15+ Activities for Similes (Creative & Classroom-Ready)

These simile activities are excellent for classrooms, workshops, tutoring sessions, or even solo learning.

1. Simile Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Identify similes in everyday reading or surroundings.
How to Do It:
Give students or participants a book, magazine, or blog post and ask them to find and list five similes.
Variation: Find similes in song lyrics or movie dialogue.

2. Finish the Simile

Objective: Build similes creatively.
How to Do It:
Give participants half a simile: “As cold as…” or “He was like…” and ask them to complete it in a unique way.
Fun Twist: Make it into a game with time limits and scoring.

3. Simile Sorting Game

Objective: Differentiate similes from metaphors and literal expressions.
How to Do It:
Prepare cards with sentences. Players must sort them into three categories: Simile, Metaphor, or Literal. Great for group discussions.

4. Simile Drawing Challenge

Objective: Combine art and language.
How to Do It:
Each student draws a picture that represents a simile they’ve written. For example: “Fast as a cheetah” might show a racing animal or vehicle.

5. Simile Charades

Objective: Reinforce understanding through movement.
How to Do It:
Players act out similes without speaking while others guess the phrase.
Example: Someone acting “as light as a feather.”

6. Story Swap with Similes

Objective: Enhance storytelling using similes.
How to Do It:
Pairs or small groups tell stories but must insert a simile into every sentence. It sparks creativity and laughter!

7. Simile Poetry

Objective: Explore emotional and descriptive language.
How to Do It:
Ask students to write a poem using at least three similes.
Theme Ideas: Nature, friendship, dreams, or emotions.

8. Simile Journal Prompts

Objective: Develop writing fluency.
How to Do It:
Each journal entry must include one simile.
Prompt Example: “Today was like a roller coaster because…”

9. Simile Slam (Performance Activity)

Objective: Build confidence and speaking skills.
How to Do It:
Host a classroom “slam” where students perform original similes with expressive voice and body language.

10. Emoji Similes

Objective: Blend tech with expression.
How to Do It:
Create similes using emoji.
Example: “She’s as 💡 as a 🤖.” Great for younger students or creative fun.

11. Compare Me!

Objective: Personalize similes.
How to Do It:
Students describe themselves using similes.
Example: “I’m as curious as a cat when I explore new books.”

12. Classroom Wall of Similes

Objective: Foster group collaboration.
How to Do It:
Create a large poster or bulletin board where each student adds a new simile every week.

13. Simile Debate

Objective: Sharpen comparison skills.
How to Do It:
Two students argue which simile better fits a given scenario.
Example: Is “as fast as lightning” or “as fast as a cheetah” more accurate?

14. Simile Collage

Objective: Visual and verbal expression.
How to Do It:
Students collect pictures from magazines and craft similes based on them.
Example: A stormy sky becomes: “as dark as midnight.”

15. Mystery Simile Bag

Objective: Inspire spontaneous thinking.
How to Do It:
Place objects in a bag. Students pick one and create a simile on the spot.
Example: Holding a feather: “as light as a whisper.”

16. Musical Similes

Objective: Use sound and rhythm.
How to Do It:
Play a song and pause to ask students to describe the mood with similes.
Example: “The beat was like thunder rolling through a canyon.”

17. Simile Bingo

Objective: Add fun to review sessions.
How to Do It:
Create bingo cards with common similes. As you read descriptions, students mark their cards.

🗣️ Polite, Professional, and Casual Alternatives to “Activity for Similes”

Tone	Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
Polite	“An engaging task involving similes”	“Today’s engaging task involves crafting vivid similes.”
Professional	“Instructional exercise on similes”	“This instructional exercise helps learners master similes.”
Casual	“Fun simile game”	“Let’s try a fun simile game to boost creativity!”
Creative	“Simile-based challenge”	“Here’s a simile-based challenge to test your thinking.”
Educational	“Learning activity focused on similes”	“This learning activity improves figurative language skills.”
Friendly	“Playful simile task”	“Let’s dive into a playful simile task together!”
Literary	“Figurative language workshop”	“Join us for a figurative language workshop featuring similes.”
Simple	“Simile practice”	“We’ll start today’s lesson with some simile practice.”
Kid-friendly	“Simile adventure”	“Ready for a simile adventure through language?”

💬 9 Texting Examples That Are User-Friendly and Optimized for Google

These examples are crafted for casual yet clear communication—ideal for texting or messaging apps:

“Just finished a simile scavenger hunt—it was as fun as a treasure hunt!”
“Today’s class was all about similes. I’m feeling as creative as Picasso!”
“We did a simile slam in school. My line was ‘as cold as a snowman’s handshake.’”
“Got any cool simile games? I need something fun for tutoring tomorrow!”
“That poem? As deep as the ocean. Loved the simile use!”
“Homework: Write a story using 5 similes. My brain is working like a machine rn.”
“They made us act out similes in drama class—hilarious but kinda cool!”
“Trying this simile collage idea with my niece. She’s loving it!”
“Simile bingo is a hit at our workshop! Definitely using it again.”

🎯 How to Choose the Right Simile Activity Based on Context

When choosing an activity, think about:

Audience	Recommended Activity	Why?
Elementary Students	Simile Drawing, Emoji Similes, Simile Adventure	Interactive and playful learning methods.
Middle School	Simile Journal, Finish the Simile, Simile Bingo	Builds creativity while reinforcing concepts.
High School	Simile Poetry, Simile Slam, Simile Debate	Encourages deep thinking and expression.
Adults	Figurative Language Workshop, Simile Collage	Thoughtful and applicable to writing and communication.
Online Classes	Simile Sorting Game, Story Swap	Adaptable and collaborative for digital platforms.

🎁 Conclusion: Why Simile Activities Matter

Similes make language vibrant. With the right activities, students and writers can enhance their descriptive skills while having fun. Whether you’re leading a workshop, teaching a class, or exploring on your own, these 15+ activities for similes offer something for everyone—casual learners, professionals, and language lovers alike.

By using tone-appropriate alternatives and engaging exercises, you’re not just teaching similes—you’re fostering imagination, expression, and joy through language.