Stargirl

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

ACTIVITY: Similes and Stargirl

Stargirl is filled with similes. A simile is a figurative expression that makes a comparison using the words “like” or “as.” Similes are often used in literature to convey a description with strong visual or other sensory imagery. In this activity, you will work with a partner to create an outfit that Stargirl would wear, then compose a descriptive paragraph with at least 5 similes describing the outfit. As time allows, you and your partner will share your paragraph with the class; class members will draw an image of the outfit based on your description.

• Confer with your partner to design an outfit that you both believe the main character Stargirl would enjoy wearing. Story details should inspire you, but your design should be original (not a copy of clothing described in the book). Make sure that the students in the other groups do not see the image you create.
• After drawing your outfit, work with your partner to write a paragraph describing the outfit in the drawing. Incorporate at least 5 similes into your descriptive paragraph. Remember to use “like” or “as” in each simile; for example, “The shirt shines in the sun like bright red apples during summertime.” Make sure to use strong and specific nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
• Without showing the drawing to the class, present your description aloud. Give students a few minutes to draw the outfit they envision based on your description. Then, share the image that you and your partner drew and evaluate the similarities and differences between drawings.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity helps students to practice visual and sensory imagery skills; additionally, similes are a good choice for practicing figurative language writing skills. In order to optimize the activity, have blank pieces of paper, as well as a large variety of colored pencils/pens/markers, crayons, etc. for the class to use. Make sure that students do not share their images with the class until after they have presented their simile paragraph. Students can demonstrate that they recognize similes as descriptive comparative techniques by recalling them aloud after each pair reads their work.