Schools, Trains and Metaphors

These fourth graders have done a masterful job of showing their understanding of metaphor.
Metaphor Examples

• schools are trains
• classrooms are cars
• students are passengers
  

Beyond the mastery of the concept the students have also, in my opinion, revealed a student perspective on schools that is in some ways disturbing.

• students see schools as compartmentalized places
• students feel they must sit for extended periods of time
• students view their time as ill spent: much is devoted to completing repetitious exercises as indicated by the music and chain like movement of students moving about the room
• emphasis on testing

I would applaud my students for their efforts and their product as it clearly illustrates a firm understanding of metaphor while also providing insight into how students reflect upon their school experience.