Friday, May 23, 2014

Similes; Andy Warhol Museum

A simile is a figure of speech that draws a comparison using "like" or "as."  It is helpful for children to practice understanding and using similes so that they become proficient in more abstract language.  Visiting attractions that are visually stimulating should help your child create similes.  The Andy Warhol Museum certainly fits the bill.  I know it may seem unconventional, but I think this is a good place for your child to begin looking at art.  Warhol's work is often big and colorful, and it is frequently centered on things that are familiar to us from pop culture.  Also, many of the exhibits let you get up close and personal which children enjoy.

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Image retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andy_Warhol_Museum.

When looking at an exhibit, ask your child what she can compare it to.  At first it will be helpful to provide her with an example.

With this picture of Marilyn Monroe, tell your child that "Her hair is as yellow as a lemon."  Then, ask your child what she can compare the hair color to.  Cue your child with, "Her hair is as yellow as a..."  Encourage your child to think of as many comparisons as she can as this will lead to more practice.  Simple answers may include banana, corn, sunflower, baby duck, and the sun.

Image retrieved from http://www.warhol.org/exhibitions/2012/15minuteseternal/en/index.html.

Other similes are include:

"The painting is as colorful as a ____."  (Rainbow, box of crayons.)


 
Image retrieved from http://iva150.deviantart.com/art/Mickey-Mouse-inspired-by-Andy-Warhol-320530195.


"The cookies jars are as cute as a  _____."  (Baby, puppy.)

 
Image retrieved from  http://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20020301warhol1.asp.

"Her smile is like a ____."  (Breath of fresh air, sunbeam.)

Image retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andy_Warhol_Museum_-_IMG_7616.JPG.

If your child struggles with similes, try using a simile that she is already familiar with and changing it to reflect the subject matter at hand.  For example, "Pretty as a picture" can be changed to "Pretty as a flower;"

Image retrieved from http://www.happytouring.com/pittsburgh-a-friendliest-city-in-pennsylvania-which-offers-a-historic-and-unique-vibe/a-woman-is-staring-at-one-of-art-collections-in-andy-warhol-museum-pittsburgh/

"Big as a house" can be changed to "Big as an elephant;"

Image retrieved from http://www.c24gallery.com/news/charles-lutz-at-the-andy-warhol-museum/.

"Like two peas in a pod" can be changed to "Like chicken broth and noodles."

Image retrieved from http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/mollibrown/502/virtualtour/warhol.html.

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