Using Similes and Analogies

Phil Grey

Analology

Analogy- from the Greek ‘analolgia’ (meaning right relationship)

When you draw an analogy between two things, you compare them for the purpose of explanation.

Common Analogies

The relationship between them began to thaw. (This means that the relationship was changing.)  

I feel like a fish out of water. (This implies that you are not comfortable in your surroundings.)

Explain this one

Her singing was like nails on a chalkboard.

Over to you…….

He had a face on him like a wet weekend.

He was as welcome as a bacon sandwich at a Bar Mitzvah.

She had a face like a bag of spanners.

Simile and Metaphor

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things by using connecting words such as like, or as. Similes are similar to metaphors in that they are both forms of comparison, but similes compare the two ideas whilst they remain separate, whereas a metaphor compares two things directly e.g. ”He is my rock”.

Similes

A figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared.

“My love is like a red, red rose”

Comparison / Likeness

So what?

Analogies can be useful in learning because all learning happens through connection.

We make sense of new information by forging connections/making comparisons to something we already know.

Comparing

Comparing is the process of identifying similarities and differences between or among things or ideas.

This can be used in any subject area

at any level .

Identifying Similarities and Differences

The ability to break a concept into similar and dissimilar characteristics allows the student to understand and solve complex problems by analysing them in a more familiar way.

How can this be useful in teaching?

Biology, for example

The 4 Components of blood and their roles.

Analogy: Blood Composition and Football Roles

Team Roles

DefenderStops attack from an opponent AttackerLife/oxygen of the side WallClump together to form a barrier

AnalogyBlood component Role Football Role

White blood cells : An important part of the immune system, they produce antibodies and destroy harmful microorganisms

Defender

Red blood cell Contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen

Attacker

Platelets Clump together to form clotsProtect the body by stopping bleeding

Wall

Plasma Fluid part of blood

You left out PLASMA!Everyone knows that after going the match to watch your favourite team on Saturday you have to go home so you can watch it on the big screen with plenty of fluid to lubricate the old throat…….

PLASMA!!!!!!!

Two Main Types of Analogy

Teacher directed - examples given

Student directed- challenge and draw on knowledge of the individual

Five sub headings to help you

Subject Theme/topic Objective Target group Analogy

Analogy may help you to make……..