This pack contains a number of resources to support pupils when writing poems about emotions, using similes to describe these to create imagery in poetry. Two model poems containing similes are included to teach this figurative language technique, showing WAGOLL (what a good one looks like). There is also an opportunity to revisit how verbs can be carefully chosen to add description.

The poems could be used as part of a series of English lessons. The pupils’ final writing task, to write their own poem about feelings and emotions, should include examples of similes and carefully chosen verbs, using their knowledge of synonyms.

What is included in this KS2 poetry resource?

• Simile poem model text: Anger - this model text is a poem that describes anger using similes
• Simile poem model text: Pride - this model text is a poem that describes pride using similes.
• Simile poem writing sheet - this contains success criteria for writing poem using similes as well as the use of synonyms to carefully choose verbs
• Simile poem planning sheet - this simile worksheet allows pupils to note ideas for a poem that uses similes
• Emotions cards - a set of word cards containing abstract nouns which name feelings and emotions; pupils can use these cards to choose the theme of their own poems
• Themed writing paper - the writing paper can be used for pupils to present their work
• Teacher notes - guidance on how the resource could be used within the classroom

What is a simile?

A simile is a figure of speech used to compare one thing to another using the words like or as. It is one of a range of poetic techniques with which children should be famliar by the end of KS2.

Simile examples:

• Sharp as a tack
• She was as brave as lion.
• They go together like chalk and cheese.
• It’s like watching paint dry.
• He was as big as a house.

National Curriculum English programme of study links

Year 3 / 4 Composition
Pupils should be taught to:
- plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas
- draft and write by composing and rehearsing sentences orally ...

Year 5/6 Composition
Pupils should be taught to:
- plan their writing by noting and developing initial ideas ...
- evaluate and edit by assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing

This resource is part of the WAGOLL: text types writing packs collection.
View more from this collection

• Simile poem model text: Anger
• Simile poem model text: Pride
• Simile poem writing sheet
• Simile poem planning shee
• Emotions cards
• Themed writing paper
• Teacher notes