Skellig Lesson 3: Skellig and Similes - PowerPoint

In Lesson Three of a series on 'Skellig' by David Almond, students are introduced to the literary device of similes and how they are used to create vivid character descriptions. The objective is twofold: firstly, to understand and recognise similes, which typically involve comparisons using the words 'as' or 'like'; and secondly, to explore how Almond employs descriptive language to bring his characters to life. An example given is the transformation of the plain sentence "George ran away" into the more evocative "George ran like a fox chased by a pack of hounds," illustrating the power of similes in creating imagery. The lesson also highlights the importance of avoiding clichéd similes, which have become overused and lost their impact, in favour of more original and imaginative comparisons.

Students are tasked with practising their use of similes by completing sentences that require creative comparisons, with example answers provided for guidance. They are encouraged to think inventively, comparing a character charging down the stairs to a "stampeding elephant" or describing lunch as "as dry as the desert." The lesson then moves on to examine how David Almond introduces the character of the man in the garage in 'Skellig', prompting students to write a paragraph using sentence starters to explore the author's use of similes. The session concludes with a plenary where volunteers share their work, and classmates offer constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical thinking and creative expression.