How To Help Make Teaching Figurative Language Fun For Kids

12/1/2024

Imagine hearing someone say, “Hold your horses!” Kids might look around, wondering where the horses even are! Teaching idioms in the primary classroom can be tricky but also tons of fun. Because idioms are phrases that mean something beyond the literal words, they often confuse young learners, who take things at face value. Luckily, with a little help from a quirky character like Amelia Bedelia, we can turn these expressions into something students look forward to learning.

Let’s dive into some easy ways to teach idioms, using a few lessons we can borrow from our favorite literal-minded housekeeper, Amelia Bedelia.

understanding figurative language what does it mean

Amelia Bedelia, that lovable housekeeper who always takes directions word for word, makes the perfect guide for introducing idioms. When asked to “dust the furniture,” she covers it in powder instead of cleaning it. Through these stories, students see just how confusing idioms can be when taken literally.

Start by reading a short story from an Amelia Bedelia book. As you go, ask students to point out the parts that confused Amelia. Then, work together to explain what the phrases actually mean. You might even let the class brainstorm what they would have done differently if they were in Amelia’s shoes!

language can be confusing idiom what does it mean

After reading each story, let students point out the idioms they heard and work together to interpret them. Other books, like Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold, also use idioms in a humorous way, making it easier for kids to connect figurative language with funny imagery.

To take things further, introduce Figurative Language Activity: Working With Idioms. This interactive resource invites students to explore idioms by drawing literal and figurative interpretations. They can split their paper in half, drawing the literal meaning on one side (such as actual cats and dogs falling from the sky) and the figurative meaning on the other (showing heavy rain). By visualizing these idioms, students gain a clearer understanding of why phrases like “jump the gun” or “cost an arm and a leg” don’t quite mean what the words suggest. The activity is perfect for sparking laughter and creativity, and students often enjoy sharing their drawings with classmates, adding a layer of peer learning. Check below for how to get a free sampler of this resource.

In addition to these activities, you might introduce an “Idiom of the Day.” Write an idiom on the board each morning and discuss its meaning as a class. The goal is to use that idiom throughout the day, encouraging students to weave these expressions into their conversations naturally. Start with accessible phrases like “a piece of cake” or “break the ice,” and as they grow more comfortable, you can add other idioms. Check out these idiom task cards for more ideas.

Another interactive idea is to play a round of Idiom Charades. Write a few idioms on slips of paper, let students draw one, and have them act out the idiom. Watching classmates’ interpretations brings endless laughter and gives everyone a memorable experience with the idioms you’re covering. The class will enjoy guessing what each idiom means and how it could look if taken literally.

Once students get a feel for how idioms work, it’s time to dive into hands-on activities that help cement these quirky phrases. This is where Figurative Language Task Cards: Idioms Activities Lemonade Version comes in handy. These task cards make idioms fun and accessible with a playful, lemonade theme that’s perfect for engaging young learners. With these cards, students can work independently or in small groups to figure out the meanings of common idioms. The cards present different idioms for students to interpret, how they are used in a sentence and what they really mean. The lemonade theme adds a refreshing twist, keeping the activity light and appealing.

Get your free copy of figurative language activity working with idioms sampler here.

figurative language activity working with idioms samper

Get your free copy here

Using idioms in class could quickly become a highlight of your students’ day, and soon they’ll be impressing their friends and family with these fun phrases. So, take a leap—dive into idioms, and watch your students grow in both language and laughter!