Objective:
Students will be able to identify, understand, and use common idioms in context.
Materials:
Whiteboard and markers
Idiom flashcards (with idiom on one side and definition on the other)
Printed idiom worksheets
Chart paper
Sticky notes
Pencils
Idiom storybook or a selection of idiom-based stories
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5.A: Interpret figures of speech (e.g., idioms) in context.
Introduction (10 minutes):
1. Hook: Start with a short, engaging video clip or a story that includes several idioms. For example,
a cartoon or a funny story where characters use idioms in their speech.
2. Discussion: Ask students if they noticed any phrases that seemed unusual or different from
literal language. Discuss what idioms are (phrases whose meanings aren't obvious from the
individual words).
Direct Instruction (15 minutes):
1. Define Idioms:
o Explain that idioms are phrases where the meaning isn't directly derived from the
individual words but from their common use in a culture or language.
o Example: “Kick the bucket” means to die, not literally kicking a bucket.
2. Model Examples:
o Write a few idioms on the board and discuss their meanings and origins. For example:
“Break the ice” – To start a conversation in a social setting.
“Hit the hay” – To go to bed.
3. Visuals: Show idiom flashcards with the idiom on one side and the meaning on the other.
Discuss each idiom’s context and use.
Guided Practice (15 minutes):
1. Activity: Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of idiom flashcards. Have
them match the idioms with their correct meanings and then create sentences using each idiom.
2. Share: Each group presents one idiom, explains its meaning, and shares their sentence with the
class.
Independent Practice (10 minutes):
1. Worksheet: Distribute worksheets with sentences that include idioms. Have students identify
the idiom and write its meaning. Example worksheet tasks:
o Circle the idiom in each sentence.
o Match each idiom with its definition.
o Create a new sentence using the idiom.
2. Idiom Art: Ask students to draw a picture representing the idiom’s meaning. This can help
reinforce their understanding by visualizing the idiom.
Closure (10 minutes):
1. Recap: Review the idioms learned during the lesson. Discuss any idioms that students found
particularly interesting or confusing.
2. Quick Quiz: Have a brief quiz where students choose the correct meaning for a few idioms or
use idioms in sentences.
3. Exit Ticket: Ask students to write one idiom they learned today and use it in a sentence. They
hand this in as they leave.
Assessment:
Formative: Observe students’ participation during group activities and review their worksheet
responses.
Summative: Evaluate the exit tickets and quiz responses to gauge individual understanding.
Differentiation:
Advanced Students: Provide more complex idioms or challenge them to use idioms in a creative
writing assignment.
Struggling Students: Use more visual aids and provide additional support through one-on-one or
small group instruction with simpler idioms and clear examples.
Extensions:
Homework: Assign a short research project where students find and present additional idioms
used in different cultures or languages.
Enrichment Activity: Create a class idiom book where students contribute their sentences and
drawings for different idioms.
