Making Sense of Analogies
By Kayla • April 3, 2018
While we have been taught to be observant and make connections between objects and concepts, the structure and theory of analogies remains confusing and, for many, a foreign way of thinking. According to Amy Wilding of Lesson Planet, unlocking the connections between analogy word concepts requires the use of prior experiences, knowledge, perceptions, ingenuity, intuition, and logic.
While most students fail to see the need for such a topic, it is, in fact, vital to success in upper level English classes (high school and college), as well as, standardized testing. Additionally, understanding and working with analogies strengthens skills related to the following areas: "perception, comparison, science, mathematics, philosophy, and logic".
Because this concept tends to receive negative feedback from students, Wilding suggests that effective unit lessons "make connections with other relatable skills and content areas" while providing "practical and easy methods to deconstruct the analogy in order to reveal the relationship of the words". In her article, Wilding discusses several lesson ideas for making this unit a success. She includes several ideas for mini-lessons to introduce students to the basics of the material to be covered and four complex lesson plans to teach advanced skills and topics.
About the Author
Kayla Johnson
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and reflects the author's personal experiences and/or opinions. The author is not a financial advisor, medical professional, or licensed expert in any regulated field. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as financial, medical, or professional advice. This content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions related to your finances, health, or other personal matters. The information provided here is shared in good faith, but individual circumstances vary, and what works for some people may not work for you. Results are not typical, implied, or guaranteed. While we strive for accuracy, information may become outdated or change over time. Statements made by guest authors reflect their own opinions and should not be interpreted as endorsements by SupplyMe.
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may earn a commission or bonus if you use them. There’s no extra cost to you — and it’s a great way to support the site if you find the content helpful.