Metaphorical Thinking
Theme: Who we are
Central idea: Family culture and values have an important impact on who we are.
Metaphorical thinking is one of many creative tools used to help students express their thoughts and ideas. It is believed to be an effective differentiated strategy as children who usually struggle in learning academics have more likely an artistic, creative mind. This kind of activity opens the students' minds to think out of the box, not to be restricted to just one right answer. Especially in topics that are quite abstract, such as family culture and values, this kind of thinking can promote open-mindedness and provides a clear opportunity for them to view different perspectives.
It has been eye-opening, as well as entertaining, to read each student's responses and to try to understand how they think. Below are a few tasks that the third graders have done.
Getting to know each other
"If you were an object, what would you be like?"
My Family Tree
"If each member of your family was a part of a tree, which part of the tree would each one be?"
Simile Writing with the Five Senses
My Family Simile
