Idiom Lesson Plans for Elementary Students
Descriptive Language a Tool for Creative Writing
Jul 4, 2008
Idioms are a tool to make students writing more engaging and entertaining. For example, the idiom; a leopard can't change its spots makes the writing more interesting than you cannot change who you are.
Idioms are an interesting lesson for students as they will quickly grab the students' attention. Students enjoy the silliness of translating idioms and at same time are improving their writing skills. Introduce English idioms to native and non native English speakers as all will benefit from the lessons.
Matching Idioms
Teacher writes common idioms on a blank piece of 8.5 x 11 paper and the translation on another piece of paper. Each idiom is numbered and the translations are labeled with a letter of the alphabet. Teacher tapes the idioms in random order on one side of the blackboard, while the translations are placed on the other side of the board. Students match the idiom with the translation by recording the number with a letter of the alphabet.
Idiom Translation
Students define each word literally and illustrate with a picture.
Sample: Hold your Horses: Students illustrate someone holding several horses.
Students define the idiom for its intended meaning and illustrate with a picture. Students may research the idiom on the internet or the teacher may give the translation.
Sample: Hold your Horses: To stop and wait patiently for someone.
Teacher collects all of the literal translations for an idiom game. Teacher randomly selects an idiom illustration and asks students to guess the idiom. A good illustration will identify each component of the idiom. After the idiom has been correctly identified, the student who illustrated the drawing will define the real meaning of the idiom to the class.
Idioms in Writing
After students translate some idioms, they will write a paragraph with one idiom. Students must write a paragraph that makes sense to illustrate the true meaning of the idiom. For students to learn a variety of idioms in a short period of time, students can share their paragraphs during short breaks during the week.
Students write the history of an idiom based on fiction or facts. For example, students will identify when an idiom began and why. Students may research the idiom online or ask family where they believe the idiom began or they may create their own history for the idiom. Teacher may choose the idioms for the students or have them choose their own. Students share their findings on the history of their idiom.
Teach a mini lesson on idioms to create proficient writers in your classroom. Students will produce more interesting and engaging stories with the help of common and less common idioms.
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