Tommy’s Morning

By Trevor Brown RED6545

3rd Grade Language Arts - Similes

• Similes: a comparison between two unlike things using the words like or as

• Example: She ran fast like the wind.

• Why use similes? Authors use similes to precisely describe the character’s actions or appearance.

• Purpose for Reading:

• Pay attention to the examples of similes used by the author so you can add this craft to your own writing.

As he opened his eyes early this morning, there it was through Tommy’s window---the sunlight. The rays of light illuminated his bedroom like a giant flashlight.

“Oh, it’s too bright!” he whispered as he covered his eyes.

How is this like your morning? How is it different?

Why do you think the author compared the sunlight to a flashlight? What does illuminate mean?

Before, he could focus, he heard his mom’s voice. “Hurry up, Tommy!” she yelled from downstairs. “You’ll miss the bus.” The sound of her voice was like a loud, annoying mosquito. “Ugh,” he thought while slowly pushing himself out of bed. How is Tommy feeling about starting his day?

What evidence in the text helped you infer his feelings?

How is his mother’s voice like a mosquito?

He exited his cozy, warm bed one leg at a time. Standing on the tile floor felt like he was stepping onto a frozen lake of ice!

To what else could you compare cold tile?

Tommy ran to the bathroom sink.

He grabbed his toothbrush, squeezed out some toothpaste and turned on the water faucet. The water flowed out like a waterfall. After brushing his teeth, he quickly got dressed. What do you predict Tommy will do next?

Think about your morning routine.

He jetted like lightning down the stairs and smelled the aroma of bacon coming from the kitchen. “Here’s your bacon and pancakes,” said his mother. “Eat quickly because you have to leave for the bus stop in five minutes.”

Note how the author compared his coming downstairs to the speed of lightning. What does jetted mean?

Why do you think he moved to the kitchen so quickly? What evidence from the text helped you?

What does it mean for a liquid to ooze?

Think about what you know about syrup and the words in the text. What words helped you understand the meaning?

He sat down at the kitchen table and looked at his plate. At that moment, he watched the syrup ooze down the stacked pancakes like lava slowly running down an erupting volcano.

He scarfed down his food and headed toward the door.

What is the complication in the story so far?

“Remember to put on your shoes,” reminded Tommy’s mother. “Yikes!” he gasped. “Where are my shoes?” He glanced toward the front door hoping to see his new sneakers, but they were not there. “Mom, where are my shoes?!” he shouted.

Have you ever been late? How did you react? Turn and talk to shoulder partner to share.

“I have your shoes right here, dear,” said his mother.

“I don’t need your help,” snapped Tommy as he took the shoes from her hands. “Now, I’m late.” He opened the front door, slammed it shut, and raced like a cheetah to the bus stop.

How else could you describe his hopping onto the school bus?

Complete the simile: He hopped like a ____________ onto the bus.

Why does he feel relief?

Suddenly the front door opened. “Bye, dear!” his mom yelled from the front porch. “Have a great day at school!” Tommy could hardly hear her because he was half way down the sidewalk. Soon, he reached the bus stop where the school bus was waiting. Like a frog to a lilly pad, he hopped aboard and smiled with relief.

Words To Review:

illuminate

annoying

jetted

ooze

relief