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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Go Figure! The Origin and Use of Idioms

Students will identify idioms and relate their meanings.

A lesson plan for grades 3–5 English Language Arts

By Martha Cain

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • identify idioms.
  • use the book Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms to find the meaning and origin of given idioms.
  • pantomime the figurative and literal meanings of selected idioms.
  • use the computer program Kid Pix to compare the literal and figurative meanings of an idiom of their choice.
  • write a paragraph explaining the meaning and origins of their illustrations.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 Hours

Materials/resources

  • bubble soap
  • paper
  • pencils
  • book Scholasitc Dictionary of Idioms
  • index cards

Technology resources

  • computers
  • Kid Pix program
  • printers

Pre-activities

None.

Activities

  1. Use the bubble soap to blow a large bubble. Pop the bubble with a pencil. Ask the students to describe what you did with the bubble. Write the phrase “Burst my bubble” on the chalkboard. Explain that this is the literal meaning of the phrase. Then, give the students a sentence containing the figurative meaning of the phrase. Ask them to explain what the sentence means. Give the students an example of a time when this idiom applied to your life. Have the students give examples of a time when their bubble burst.
  2. Ask students to give other examples of sentences using idioms. Have them pick another student to explain the literal meaning of the idiom.
  3. Have the students choose cards with an idiom listed on it. Let the students pantomine the idiom.
  4. Have the students use the book Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms to find the meaning and origin of the idioms they have chosen.
  5. Let the students use the Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms to select an idiom to illustrate using Kid Pix.
  6. When the students have completed the illustrations, they will write a paragraph explaining the meaning and origin of their idiom.

Assessment

Students will:

  • list four or five familiar idioms.
  • write sentences using the idioms to demonstrate their understanding.

Supplemental information

The Mailbox Intermediate April/May 1997

Related websites

N/A

Comments

This lesson can be adapted by using drawing paper and markers instead of Kid Pix for the illustrations. This lesson can also be used with exceptional students in grades 3-5.

North Carolina curriculum alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.04: Identify and interpret elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:
      • author's purpose.
      • plot.
      • conflict.
      • sequence.
      • resolution.
      • lesson and/or message.
      • main idea and supporting details.
      • cause and effect.
      • fact and opinion.
      • point of view (author and character).
      • author's use of figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, imagery).

  • Common Core State Standards

    • English Language Arts (2010)

      • Language

        • Grade 3
          • 3.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. 3.L.4.1 Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. 3.L.4.2...
          • 3.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings. 3.L.5.1 Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps). 3.L.5.2 Identify real-life connections between...
        • Grade 4
          • 4.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. 4.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or restatements in text) as a clue...
          • 4.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. 4.L.5.1 Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context. 4.L.5.2 Recognize and explain the meaning of common...
        • Grade 5
          • 5.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. 5.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., cause/effect relationships and comparisons in text) as a...
          • 5.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. 5.L.5.1 Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context. 5.L.5.2 Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages,...