Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" models the power of descriptive language for middle schoolers. They identify the similes and metaphors in the tale and consider what these descriptions add to the story's emotional impact. To demonstrate what they have learned, writers craft a description of a person they admire using similes and metaphors in their paragraphs.

Concepts

similes, metaphors, figurative language, literary devices, literary terms, descriptive writing

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the lesson before the winter holiday break or to introduce the study of similes and metaphors
• Post various images of St. Nicholas on a focus-theme wall

Classroom Considerations

• Class members require devices with internet
• A projection device is needed for the slideshow

Pros

• Teacher notes add additional scaffolding to the lesson
• Provides an answer key for the activity and links that detail the various learning strategies used in the lesson
• Materials are available in Spanish and English
• Offers modifications for distance learning

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.8.4