Matariki Storytelling Celebration

Similes Recap – Answer Sheet

Teacher:

Date:

⭐ Part 1: Multiple Choice – Answer Key

Correct answers are marked in bold. Share these verbally with students or display on the board after the activity.

1. A simile compares two things using:

and, but, so

because, since, although

✅ like or as

very, really, quite

2. Which sentence contains a simile?

The stars were bright and beautiful.

✅ The stars shone like tiny diamonds in the sky.

Matariki rises every year in winter.

We looked up at the dark sky.

3. "Her voice was as soft as a whisper." This simile tells us her voice was:

Very loud

High-pitched

✅ Quiet and gentle

Scratchy and rough

4. Which of these is not a simile?

He ran as fast as the wind.

She was like a shining star.

✅ The kite flew high above the clouds.

The water was as cold as ice.

5. Select ALL the similes below: (tick every correct answer)

✅ The night sky was as dark as velvet.

Matariki is a special time for whānau.

✅ His smile was like a warm sunrise.

We drew our star charts with coloured pencils.

✅ She felt as brave as a warrior telling her story.

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer – Model Answers

These are model answers. Accept any reasonable response that demonstrates understanding. Encourage students to use Matariki vocabulary where possible.

6. Write your own simile about the Matariki stars.

Model Answer: "The Matariki stars glittered like scattered sequins across a dark blue blanket." or "The stars were as bright as tiny lanterns lighting the winter sky."

✅ Look for: use of like or as, a clear comparison, and descriptive language connected to Matariki or the night sky.

7. Finish this simile about storytelling: "Sharing a story is like ___________________________________________."

Model Answer: "Sharing a story is like giving someone a gift from your heart." or "Sharing a story is like planting a seed that grows in someone's memory."

✅ Look for: a meaningful comparison that makes sense in context. Praise creative and personal responses!

8. Explain in one or two sentences why writers use similes in their stories.

Model Answer: "Writers use similes to help readers picture what something looks, sounds, or feels like. They make stories more interesting and easier to imagine."

✅ Accept responses that mention: painting a picture, helping the reader understand, making writing more interesting or descriptive.

🌟 Part 3: Differentiation Notes for Teachers

Support Strategies (ELL and neurodiverse learners):

Provide a word bank with simile examples on the desk (e.g., like the sun, as quiet as, like a river).

Allow students to draw their simile response for Q6 and Q7 instead of writing.

Use sentence starters on the board: "The star was like… / It felt as… as…"

Pair students with a buddy to discuss answers before writing.

Extension Activities (advanced learners):

Write a short paragraph (3–4 sentences) about Matariki using at least three original similes.

Challenge: Can you write a simile using te reo Māori words? (e.g., "The whetū shone like…")

Peer teaching: Ask advanced students to share and explain their similes to a partner, giving feedback on whether the comparison is clear and vivid.

Create a "Simile Star" — write a simile on each point of a paper star to display on the class Matariki Sky Wall.

Teacher Note: Simile Star responses make a wonderful addition to the Storytelling Night display and connect literacy learning directly to the Matariki celebration. Piki te ora o te Matariki!