If you’re a busy teacher constantly juggling ALL THE THINGS—you might wonder how there could possibly be room to squeeze one more English language concept into your already packed curriculum.
Well, hear me out on this one: teaching idioms to our English Language Learners (ELLs) isn’t just another box to tick – it’s a game-changer for all of your students, but especially those struggling to learn language. Like your students with dyslexia.
Don’t believe me? Keep reading, and let’s see if I can change your mind.
Umm…what are Idioms again?
Totally understand if that was your first thought when you saw this post! To refresh your memory, idioms are expressions where the meaning of the whole phrase is drastically different from the literal meaning of the individual words. For example, “it’s raining cats and dogs” means it’s raining heavily, not that there are actually cats and dogs falling from the sky. These phrases are ingrained in everyday speech, making them crucial for full comprehension and fluency in English.
Ok, but why bother teaching Idioms anyway?
For English as a New Language (ENL) students as well as students with dyslexia, the inability to grasp idiomatic expressions can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and sometimes, even embarrassment in social or academic settings. Imagine a student puzzled by hearing “barking up the wrong tree” during a classroom discussion. Without prior exposure or explanation, this phrase could leave them feeling lost or disconnected from their peers – and that’s of course the last thing we would ever want for our students!
Our Top Tips for Making Teaching Idioms a Blast!
Okay, sounds great. But my schedule is jam-packed already. How on earth do I add one more thing like idiom instruction?
Here are some teacher-tested tips to make teaching idioms as enjoyable as recess. Well, almost!
1. Embrace Everyday Examples: Idioms are all around us, from songs to movies and even social media. Grab these examples your students will recognize and relate to, and use them to grab their interest. For instance, use “caught red-handed” to discuss honesty (bonus points if you can tie that into a text your class is currently reading). Or go with “a piece of cake” to lighten up a less then interesting grammar lesson.
2. Get Visual: A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to idioms. Create visual aids or find quirky illustrations online to show the literal and figurative meanings of idioms. Your students will love puzzling over phrases like “raining cats and dogs” while having a bit of fun!
3. Role-Playing Shenanigans: Inject some drama into your classroom with role-playing exercises. Have students act out idioms in context, like “spill the beans” or “hold your horses.” It’s a blast watching them get into character and nail those expressions. And most kids will enjoy a good game of charades.
4. Gamify It: Who doesn’t love a good game? Turn idiom practice into a friendly competition with matching games, tic-tac-toe and other simple games that make practicing fun. When learning feels like playtime, your students will be more engaged and those idioms will stick like glue.
And if you’re thinking “Ok, you’ve convinced me and this all sounds great, but where can I find something to help me get started?”, then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Our idioms practice activity pack is the perfect resource for introducing and explicitly teaching 50 of the most commonly used idioms in the English language. The best part? Your students will actually enjoy the process with our incorporation of fun, classic games ready to print and play that your students are sure to LOVE!
Click the picture below to grab yours today. ⬇️
The Big Payoff: Boosting Confidence and Connection
Beyond the giggles and high-fives, teaching idioms has serious perks for our ELLs and students with dyslexia. It’s about more than just mastering quirky phrases—it’s about boosting confidence and bridging cultural gaps. When students understand idioms, they feel more at ease in conversations, both in and out of the classroom. They become insiders in the English-speaking world, building connections and friendships along the way.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Idioms Irresistible!
By teaching idioms in a fun and approachable way, we’re not just enriching language skills; we’re nurturing a love for the nuances of English. Our English as a New Language (ENL) students as well as students with dyslexia deserve every tool in the box to thrive, and idioms are like the shiny new wrench that makes everything click. Let’s roll up our sleeves, grab that marker, and make idioms irresistible—one “wild goose chase” and “piece of cake” at a time!
Happy teaching and idiomatic adventures ahead!
Yours in teaching,
The New Paltz Multisensory Team
P.S. Got any favorite idioms or teaching tips? Share them in the comments below. We’d love to hear them!
