Understanding and decoding analogies is a skill that is transferable to reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creativity. Analogies can be expressed in visual, symbolic, numerical, verbal, and inferential terms. Analogies help students develop the ability to make and appreciate connections between and among a variety of stimuli.

As students become more adept at using, creating, and deciphering analogies, the process of transferring and expressing the inherent nature of analogies becomes a “thinking game” for them. The game can be successfully played at almost any level of thinking. The use of analogy-based thinking can then be applied effectively to thinking about ideas and concepts in the array of facts, terms, and information presented throughout the various curricula students encounter at any grade in school.

Each book is divided into five main sections based upon the type of relationship described by the analogies in it.

The lessons and activities in these books align with the following Common Core State Standards:

Book 1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.4, 2.5, 2.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.4, 3.5, 3.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.4, 4.5, 4.6

Book 2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.4, 4.5, 4.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.4, 5.5, 5.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4, 6.5, 6.6

Book 3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4, 6.5, 6.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4, 7.5, 7.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.4, 8.5, 8.6

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade [level] reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. Copyright Date: 2010