Sharing is a kind thing we can do for others. It means giving a part of what we have to someone else. We can share toys, snacks, time, or ideas. When we share, we help others feel happy and cared for. It also helps us make friends and build trust.
Sometimes, people talk about sharing using special pictures in words. These are called metaphors. A metaphor compares one thing to something else, to help us understand it better. In this article, we will look at how people use simple ideas to talk about sharing. These ideas can make sharing feel easier and more fun to learn.
Metaphors about Sharing
1. Sharing is like passing the ball
Meaning: Just like passing a ball helps the game, sharing helps people work together.
To Provide an Example: At recess, Maya passed the basketball to her friend. / In class, Jake shared his crayons so everyone could finish their posters.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps a group feel included. / Like a game where everyone gets a turn.
2. Sharing is like opening a door
Meaning: It lets others in and makes them feel welcome.
To Provide an Example: Sam let his neighbor borrow his bike. / Lisa invited a new student to play with her friends.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing makes others feel like they belong, just like an open door says “Come in.”
3. Sharing is like planting a seed
Meaning: When you share, you help something grow.
To Provide an Example: Emma shared her puzzle, and they had more fun solving it together. / Tommy let his friend use his toy, and they both laughed.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing starts something small that can grow into friendship or joy.
4. Sharing is like a warm blanket
Meaning: It gives comfort and helps people feel safe.
To Provide an Example: Anna gave her extra cookie to a friend who forgot lunch. / Marcus helped his sister with her homework.
Alternative Meaning: It brings kindness and makes others feel cared for.
5. Sharing is like sunshine
Meaning: It brightens someone’s day.
To Provide an Example: Ben shared his umbrella when it started to rain. / Lily gave her book to her classmate who forgot his.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing spreads happiness like sunshine warms the Earth.
6. Sharing is like making space on a bench
Meaning: It means letting someone join you.
To Provide an Example: Katie moved over so her friend could sit next to her. / Noah made room at lunch for a classmate.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing means making space for others in your life, like scooting over on a bench.
7. Sharing is like cutting a sandwich in half
Meaning: It means giving someone a fair piece.
To Provide an Example: James split his sandwich with his little brother. / Sarah gave her friend half of her cookie.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is about fairness. / Each person gets a piece.
8. Sharing is like turning on a light
Meaning: It helps others see what they didn’t before.
To Provide an Example: Max explained how to tie shoes to a friend. / Mia showed her class how to make paper animals.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing knowledge helps others learn, just like a light helps you see.
9. Sharing is like filling someone’s cup
Meaning: It gives someone what they need or enjoy.
To Provide an Example: Emma gave her extra markers to a classmate. / Ben let his sister play with his tablet for a while.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing gives others a little more joy, like adding water to a cup that’s almost empty.
10. Sharing is like a puzzle piece
Meaning: It helps complete the picture.
To Provide an Example: Leo shared his idea during group work. / Mia brought extra glue for the art project.
Alternative Meaning: When you share, you help make something whole, just like a missing piece in a puzzle.
11. Sharing is like lighting a candle
Meaning: You can light another candle without losing your own.
To Provide an Example: Ava taught her friend how to fold a paper boat. / Liam shared his stickers with his neighbor.
Alternative Meaning: When you share, you don’t lose what you have—you just help someone else shine too.
12. Sharing is like building a bridge
Meaning: It connects people.
To Provide an Example: Jayden let a classmate borrow his colored pencils. / Chloe invited a shy kid to join her game.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing brings people together like a bridge between two sides.
13. Sharing is like giving a high-five
Meaning: It’s a quick way to show someone they matter.
To Provide an Example: Ella gave her friend half of her candy. / Jackson showed his friend a new game on his tablet.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing shows you care, just like a high-five shows you’re on the same team.
14. Sharing is like passing the mic
Meaning: It gives others a chance to speak or join in.
To Provide an Example: Sophia let her classmate take a turn leading the line. / Ethan shared his idea during the class story.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing gives others a voice, just like handing them a microphone.
15. Sharing is like a hug
Meaning: It brings warmth and closeness.
To Provide an Example: Lily gave her last granola bar to a friend. / Mateo offered to help his classmate carry her books.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing makes people feel cared for, just like a hug does.
16. Sharing is like passing the remote
Meaning: It gives others a turn to choose.
To Provide an Example: Mason let his brother pick the movie. / Zoe let her friend choose the next game.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing means letting others lead sometimes, just like choosing what to watch.
17. Sharing is like handing out pieces of a pie
Meaning: Everyone gets a slice, not just one person.
To Provide an Example: Olivia gave her friends some of her apple pie. / Caleb brought extra cupcakes for his classmates.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing makes sure no one is left out, like giving everyone a piece of dessert.
18. Sharing is like taking turns on a swing
Meaning: It’s fair and helps everyone enjoy the fun.
To Provide an Example: Aiden got off the swing so his friend could try. / Grace let her cousin play with her new toy first.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is about giving others a chance, just like waiting for your turn.
19. Sharing is like a rainbow after rain
Meaning: It brings joy after something hard.
To Provide an Example: Ella shared her game after her friend lost hers. / Ryan gave his snack to a classmate who was sad.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing can bring a smile, just like a rainbow after a storm.
20. Sharing is like passing a torch
Meaning: You give something helpful to someone else.
To Provide an Example: Mia showed her little brother how to read a new book. / Dylan shared his math trick with a classmate.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing lets others grow and shine, just like passing on a light.
21. Sharing is like spreading peanut butter
Meaning: It covers more when you don’t keep it all in one spot.
To Provide an Example: Lucas shared his sandwich with his cousin. / Ava gave part of her snack to her friend.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing spreads goodness, like peanut butter on bread.
22. Sharing is like giving a puzzle to someone
Meaning: It gives others something fun to figure out or enjoy.
To Provide an Example: Ethan gave his friend a new riddle. / Maya shared her building blocks so they could make something together.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing gives others something fun or helpful to use.
23. Sharing is like adding more chairs to a table
Meaning: It lets more people be part of the group.
To Provide an Example: Emma made space at lunch for a new friend. / Jackson invited his neighbors to play tag in the backyard.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing makes room for others to join in.
24. Sharing is like blowing bubbles
Meaning: It’s fun and makes people smile.
To Provide an Example: Layla let her friend use her bubble wand. / Tyler gave his classmate extra stickers.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing brings joy that floats from one person to another.
25. Sharing is like turning the page in a book
Meaning: It helps move things forward.
To Provide an Example: Olivia shared her story so the group could keep writing. / Liam gave his crayons so others could color.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps things grow, like stories that go on and on.
26. Sharing is like putting marshmallows in hot cocoa
Meaning: It makes something already good even better.
To Provide an Example: Chloe added extra sprinkles and gave some to her friend. / Aiden brought markers to class and let others use them.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing adds joy to something nice.
27. Sharing is like giving someone your seat
Meaning: It shows kindness and care.
To Provide an Example: Sophie let her grandma sit down first. / Caleb gave his seat to his friend during circle time.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing means thinking about others before yourself.
28. Sharing is like painting with more colors
Meaning: It adds variety and fun.
To Provide an Example: Mia let her friend use her paint set. / Nathan brought extra colors for his art group.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps everyone have more to enjoy and explore.
29. Sharing is like giving part of your smile
Meaning: It helps others feel good, too.
To Provide an Example: Ella shared her stickers to cheer up a classmate. / Leo gave his snack to his friend who looked sad.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing spreads happiness like smiles do.
30. Sharing is like tossing a beach ball
Meaning: It keeps the fun going when passed around.
To Provide an Example: Avery brought a beach ball and let others join the game. / Mason shared his sand toys at the park.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps everyone take part in the fun.
31. Sharing is like passing a spark
Meaning: It helps light someone else’s day.
To Provide an Example: Grace shared her story at show-and-tell. / Liam gave a toy to a classmate who didn’t have one.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing gives joy that spreads to others.
32. Sharing is like singing a duet
Meaning: It sounds better when two people join in.
To Provide an Example: Chloe and her friend sang together during music. / Dylan helped his group finish their project.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps things work better together.
33. Sharing is like baking cookies together
Meaning: Everyone brings something, and the result is sweet.
To Provide an Example: Ava brought flour, and Mia brought chocolate chips to bake cookies. / Ben shared his recipe with friends.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing brings people together to make something nice.
34. Sharing is like handing someone a balloon
Meaning: It brings joy and lifts others up.
To Provide an Example: Ellie gave her balloon to her little brother. / Noah gave his friend a card to cheer him up.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps others feel lighter and happier.
35. Sharing is like pouring lemonade for a friend
Meaning: It refreshes both people and shows care.
To Provide an Example: Liam made lemonade and gave his friend a glass. / Zoe shared her juice at the picnic.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is a way to show love and friendship.
36. Sharing is like passing crayons around the table
Meaning: Everyone gets to color, not just one person.
To Provide an Example: Emma gave her red crayon to the person next to her. / Jake shared his whole crayon box with the group.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps everyone join in the fun.
37. Sharing is like helping carry a backpack
Meaning: It makes a heavy load lighter.
To Provide an Example: Olivia helped her friend carry books to the library. / Nathan shared his supplies so others didn’t have to bring so much.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing makes things easier for others.
38. Sharing is like splitting a cookie
Meaning: Both people get something sweet.
To Provide an Example: Zoe broke her cookie in half and gave one piece to her sister. / Alex gave his last cookie to a friend at lunch.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing brings joy to more than one person.
39. Sharing is like passing a snowball gently
Meaning: It’s meant to be kind, not to hurt.
To Provide an Example: Ryan shared his toys kindly without grabbing. / Layla let her cousin have a turn without fuss.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is soft and thoughtful, like a gentle snowball toss.
40. Sharing is like flipping a coin for a turn
Meaning: It’s a fair way to include others.
To Provide an Example: Mia and her friend flipped a coin to decide who plays first. / Ben let his friend pick heads or tails.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing means being fair and thoughtful.
41. Sharing is like adding sprinkles to ice cream
Meaning: It makes something already fun even better.
To Provide an Example: Ava brought sprinkles to the ice cream party and shared with everyone. / Liam let others add toppings to their sundaes.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing adds extra joy to special moments.
42. Sharing is like handing over the last piece
Meaning: It shows kindness and unselfishness.
To Provide an Example: Ella gave the last cookie to her little brother. / Caleb let his friend take the last turn.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing sometimes means giving up something to make someone else happy.
43. Sharing is like clapping for a friend
Meaning: It shows you care about their happiness.
To Provide an Example: Olivia cheered for her friend’s good work. / Mason shared his space at the table so his classmate could join.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is one way to support others.
44. Sharing is like tying two balloons together
Meaning: It brings people closer.
To Provide an Example: Emma and her friend shared a jump rope and played together. / Logan shared his chalk, and they drew one big picture.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing connects people like strings on balloons.
45. Sharing is like opening a storybook
Meaning: It lets others in on something special.
To Provide an Example: Chloe read her favorite book aloud to her cousin. / Ethan shared a memory with the class.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is a way to invite others into something you enjoy.
46. Sharing is like scooping ice cream for a friend
Meaning: It brings sweetness to someone else’s day.
To Provide an Example: Zoe made her friend a cone with extra sprinkles. / Aiden shared his popsicle when his sister dropped hers.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is a simple way to be sweet and thoughtful.
47. Sharing is like pushing someone on a swing
Meaning: It helps someone else enjoy the moment.
To Provide an Example: Grace gave her friend a push on the swing. / Tyler let his sister ride first, then helped her swing higher.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing gives others a lift when they need it.
48. Sharing is like adding logs to a campfire
Meaning: It keeps the warmth going for everyone.
To Provide an Example: Mia gave her blanket to her friend who was cold. / Liam offered his snacks during a school trip.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps keep others cozy and happy.
49. Sharing is like dancing in a circle
Meaning: Everyone gets to be part of the fun.
To Provide an Example: Ella held hands with others and pulled a shy classmate into the game. / Jayden invited everyone to join the dance.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing helps everyone be included.
50. Sharing is like waving hello
Meaning: It shows friendliness and welcome.
To Provide an Example: Ava gave a toy to someone new in class. / Noah invited his neighbor to join the game.
Alternative Meaning: Sharing is one of the first steps to making a friend.
Trials for Success: Metaphors about Sharing
- When Mia let her classmate borrow her colored pencils, it was like ___________________________.
- Ethan gave half of his sandwich to his friend at lunch. That was like ___________________________.
- Chloe invited the new student to join their game, which was like ___________________________.
- Lucas gave his only extra pencil to his classmate. That was like ___________________________.
- When Ava and her friend shared the jump rope, it felt like ___________________________.
- Jayden shared his glue during art time, just like ___________________________.
- When Lily passed the soccer ball to her teammate, it was like ___________________________.
- Mason moved over so his friend could sit beside him, which was like ___________________________.
- Grace helped her friend carry books to the library. That was like ___________________________.
- When Ella shared her stickers to cheer up a sad friend, it was like ___________________________.
- Sophie gave her grandma her seat on the bus. That was like ___________________________.
- Jackson helped his little brother build with blocks, just like ___________________________.
- Olivia added extra marshmallows to her friend’s cocoa, which was like ___________________________.
- Emma read her storybook aloud to her cousin. That was like ___________________________.
- Ben gave the last cookie to his sister, which was like ___________________________.
Answers
- building a bridge
- cutting a sandwich in half
- opening a door
- pouring lemonade for a friend
- tying two balloons together
- a puzzle piece
- passing the ball
- making space on a bench
- helping carry a backpack
- giving part of your smile
- giving someone your seat
- passing a torch
- putting marshmallows in hot cocoa
- opening a storybook
- handing over the last piece
Conclusion
Sharing helps people feel happy, safe, and included. It can be as simple as passing a toy or giving someone a turn.
We learned that sharing can be like sunshine, a hug, or passing the ball. These ideas help us understand that giving a little can mean a lot. When we share, we build kindness and friendship every day.
