Peach Sensory Magic

Example: "glowing like fireflies / como luciérnagas"

Simile 1 • Símil 1: Sense: [ ] Sight   [ ] Sound   [ ] Touch

"They were rustling inside the bag like a mass of tiny beetles." "Crujían dentro de la bolsa como una masa de pequeños escarabajos."

A. Two things compared (Dos cosas comparadas):

1. __________________ and 2. __________________

B. What this helps the reader imagine (Qué imagina):

It helps me imagine: _________________________

Personification & Simile 2 • Personificación y Símil 2: Sense: [ ] Sight   [ ] Sound   [ ] Touch

"The crystals were whispering secrets and sparkled as bright as emerald stars." "Los cristales susurraban secretos y brillaban tan intensos como estrellas de esmeralda."

A. Why is "whispering" personification? (¿Por qué?):

Because crystals cannot ______________________

B. Comparison with "as bright as" (Comparación):

The crystals shine like: ______________________

3 Part 3: Sensory Creative Writing / Escritura Creativa

Choose Tier A or Tier B / Elige Nivel A o B

Prompt: James trips and the crystals spill into the soil under the old peach tree! Describe the scene using at least TWO senses (Sight 👁️, Sound 👂, Touch ✋) and ONE simile (like/como).

Tier A (Guided / Guiado): Fill in the blanks Bank: glowing, hissed, cold damp, like fire sparks

When the bag tore open, the crystals looked _____________________ (Sight) as they sank into the earth.

I could hear them _____________________ (Sound) against the roots like _____________________.

The ground felt _____________________ (Touch) under James’s trembling hands.

Tier B (Independent / Independiente): 2-3 original sentences

[ ] Sight [ ] Sound [ ] Touch [ ] Simile

⭐ Self-Check: I used: [ ] Sight   [ ] Sound   [ ] Touch   [ ] Simile ¡Completado!

James and the Giant Peach • Figurative & Sensory Language Page 2 of 2 • ELA Grade 7

Levels 5–6 (Bridging/Reaching)

• Distinguish literal descriptions from figurative similes.
• Analyze the atmospheric mood created by Dahl's sensory choices.
• Draft a complete multi-sensory narrative paragraph (Tier B).

Supports: Peer editing checklist, analytical rubric.

Bridge Alert: Spanish has direct cognates for sensory concepts: luminous/luminoso, vibrate/vibrar, sensation/sensación, metallic/metálico.

Watch out for false friend: sensible (ES = sensitive, EN = reasonable).

Teacher Guide • James and the Giant Peach (Chapter 3) Page 1 of 2 • Turn over for Answer Key →

Worksheet Evaluation & Exemplars

Worksheet Answer Key & Teacher Models

Clave de Respuestas

1 Part 1: Sensory Detective Answer Key

Quote A (Paper Bag): Primary Sense: Sight / Vista (👁️)

1. Sensory Words: "tiny green crystals", "glowing", "luminous brilliance", "fireflies"

2. Sentence Frame: The crystals look bright, luminous, and green like tiny glowing emeralds.

Quote B (Magic Movement): Primary Sense: Sound / Sonido (👂)

1. Sound Words: "whispered", "rustling", "fizzing", "talking quietly"

2. Sentence Frame: James hears a sound like whispering insects or bubbling soda.

Quote C (James's Body): Primary Sense: Touch / Tacto (✋)

1. Touch Words: "fingers were trembling", "icy and cold", "wet paper"

2. Sentence Frame: James's hands feel shaking, cold as ice, and wet.

2 Part 2: Figurative Language Key

Simile 1: "like beetles" Sense: Sound 👂

A. Compared: 1. The rustling crystals and 2. tiny beetles/insects.

B. Image: It helps the reader hear the scratching, dry, alive sound inside the paper bag.

Simile 2 & Personification Sense: Sight & Sound

A. Personification: Crystals cannot speak or whisper; Dahl gives them human voice to show they have magical life.

B. Comparison: The crystals shine like green emerald stars.

3 Part 3: Model Writing Exemplars & Rubric Guide

Tier A Model Student Output:

"When the bag tore open, the crystals looked luminous and green as they sank into the earth. I could hear them fizzing and clicking against the roots like tiny fire sparks. The ground felt damp and icy under James’s trembling hands."

Tier B Model Independent Output:

"The glowing crystals burrowed through the cold, spongy soil like living worms. A faint sizzling hum echoed through the roots as James’s trembling fingers clawed at the damp earth."

Common ELL Misconceptions & How to Clarify:

• Literal vs. Figurative: Students may think real beetles are inside the bag. Remind them: "It says LIKE beetles, so Dahl is comparing the sound, not real bugs!"

• Sight vs. Touch: Students often confuse seeing mud with feeling dampness. Clarify that "cold and damp" requires nerve touch on the skin.

Grading Quick-Guide: 3 pts (Sensory Quotes Identified) + 2 pts (Simile Analysis) + 3 pts (Creative Application) = 8 Points Total Meets CCSS RL.7.4 Mastery

Teacher Guide & Answer Key • James and the Giant Peach Page 2 of 2 • Grade 7 ELA