Teach pupils in KS2 how to use metaphors to create imagery in poetry with this comprehensive resource pack. Pupils will explore two model poems showing WAGOLL (what a good one looks like) and learn how to describe objects or experiences figuratively.
The pack also provides opportunities to revisit prepositions and expand noun phrases in their writing. Pupils can use the model poems as inspiration for their own poetry, either linked to the themes of the poems or related to their current topic or personal interests.
What’s included in this metaphors KS2 resource pack
Model poem 1 – Sun
A poem describing the Sun using metaphors such as A creature of habit rising reliably on the horizon each day and A radiator in the heavens that warms up the world. Pupils can see how metaphors combine with prepositions to create vivid images.
Model poem 2 – Roast Dinner
A poem describing a roast dinner using metaphors like Crunchy potato boulders piled high beside crumbled sage and onion stuffing and A river of gravy flows around my dinner. Pupils learn to use imaginative comparisons alongside prepositions to enrich their writing.
Metaphor poem writing sheet
A PDF containing success criteria for writing poems with metaphors. It includes examples of how to use adjectives and prepositions to modify nouns or verbs, helping pupils expand their ideas.
Metaphor poem planning sheet
A worksheet for pupils to note ideas for their own metaphorical poem, encouraging them to plan descriptions and identify possible metaphors.
Themed writing paper
Pupils can present their poems neatly using the included PDF sheets.
Teacher notes
Guidance on how to use the resource across a series of English lessons, linking reading, discussion, planning, and writing.
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech where you say one thing is something else to create an image for the reader. Examples include The sun is a creature of habit and Round green pebbles roll around on my plate. Metaphors are an essential poetic technique that pupils should be familiar with by the end of KS2.
Features of the model poems
- Titles to introduce the topic of the poem
- Descriptions using metaphors
- Use of prepositions to modify nouns or verbs
- Adjectives to expand noun phrases
- Structured lines to convey imagery
National Curriculum links
Years 3-4 – Pupils discuss, plan and record ideas before drafting, rehearse sentences orally, and write imaginative texts using figurative language.
Years 5-6 – Pupils develop and refine initial ideas, evaluate and edit their own and others’ writing, and apply figurative techniques such as metaphors and expanded noun phrases.
This resource provides everything you need to teach pupils how to create vivid, metaphorical poetry while supporting planning, writing and presentation.