Similes Worksheet

Similes are one of the first tools young writers use to make their language come alive, and this similes worksheet gives third graders focused practice with them. A simile compares two different things by using the word like or as, and recognizing that move is the heart of Common Core standard L.3.5a, which asks students to tell the difference between literal and nonliteral language. When a child reads that a pond was “as smooth as glass,” they need to understand that the pond is not made of glass at all — the writer is helping them picture how still the water looked. This 3rd grade figurative language worksheet builds exactly that habit of mind.

The activity is printable, ready to use, and needs no preparation. Students begin with a word bank and complete four similes by choosing the word that fits each clue. Next they read three complete similes and name the two things each one compares, which pushes them past simple recognition and into analysis. Finally, they study an original illustration and write two similes of their own, so the skill moves from identifying to creating. Print one copy per student, work through the first item together as a class, then let students finish independently or with a partner. The included answer key makes checking fast, whether you grade the page yourself or run it as a quick partner review.

What’s Included

• One printable, full-color worksheet page in PDF format
• Part A: a four-item word bank activity for completing similes
• Part B: three similes to analyze by naming the two things compared
• Part C: an illustrated writing prompt for two original similes
• A complete answer key with sample responses

Three Reasons This Helps Kids

• It strengthens reading comprehension. Students who spot figurative language stop reading it literally, so tricky passages on tests and in chapter books finally make sense.
• It grows descriptive vocabulary. Naming the two things a simile compares teaches children to notice precise, vivid word choices they can borrow for their own writing.
• It builds writing confidence. The picture prompt gives every student something concrete to describe, so even reluctant writers can produce a strong original sentence.

Teacher and Parent Ideas

Use this similes worksheet as a warm-up before a descriptive writing unit, as a small-group station during literacy centers, or as homework that families can finish together in about fifteen minutes. Challenge early finishers to hunt for similes in the book they are reading and add them to a class chart. At home, play a quick simile game at dinner: name an object on the table and take turns finishing “as ______ as a ______.” Pair the page with a poetry lesson and students will start hearing comparisons everywhere.

Related Resources

• What is a Simile? Worksheet
• Figurative Language Worksheet
• Food for Thought Idiom Simile Metaphor Activity
• Simile Song (Original Music Video)