Introduction
Today you will learn all about idioms. Learning about idioms is a "piece of cake"! That was an idiom! You see, when I say something is a "piece of cake," I really mean that it is a simple thing to do.
The term idiom refers to a set expression or a phrase comprising two or more words that can not be interpreted literally. The phrase is understood to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply. The phrase is interpreted in a figurative sense. An idiom is a type of figurative language.
So let's go and learn about idioms; we will "have a blast"! Ha! That was another idiom!
Task
By the end of this WebQuest, you will know all about idioms. Understanding idioms will make you a better reader, speaker, listener, and writer.
Your tasks embedded in this Webquest include the following:
1. Demonstrate your understanding of several different idioms.
2. Creatively illustrate the literal and figurative meaning of an idiom of choice.
3. Produce your own original idiom!
Follow the process in this Webquest and "enjoy the ride"! (Idiom meaning relax and enjoy whatever is going to happen next)
Process
Follow each step of the process in order.
Step 1. Follow this link. Watch the video and take notes in your literature notebook. What Is an Idiom?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUT_WSavAC8\
More information and fun examples of idioms can be found here
Step 2. Learn and quiz yourself on 50 of the most common idioms. Look at each table of 10 idioms and their meanings and then quiz yourself after each set of 10.
https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/common-idioms.html
Step 3. Follow this link to play an idiom game.
https://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/learning-activities/languages/words/idioms-game/
Step 4. Scroll through the largest online idiom dictionary and choose an idiom that you would like to illustrate. Once you choose an idiom, use the sample provided by your teacher to create your own idiom illustration. You must use complete, well-written sentences to explain both the literal meaning and figurative meaning. Illustrations must be colorful and neat, showing strong effort.
Step 5. Create your own idiom. Check out the examples below to get you started. You must neatly write your original idiom on a half sheet of white paper using a marker and be ready to share it with the class, explaining its meaning.
What else, besides cats and dogs, could it be raining? Fish and chips? Lizards and snakes? Water balloons and superballs?
That’s the way the cookie crumbles. Or... ball bounces? soda bubbles? Leaves fall? Carrot crunches?
It’ll cost you an arm and a leg. Or... a finger and four toes? An ear and a bad haircut?
Evaluation
Your idiom illustration and original idiom will be graded as follows:
1. Choose an idiom and complete the following:
Write the literal meaning in a complete, well-written sentence: 2 points
Write the figurative meaning in a complete, well-written sentence: 2 points
Neatly Illustrate both meanings: 4 points
2. Create a well-thought-out original idiom, write it neatly and explain the meaning to the class: 2 points
Conclusion
Congratulations! You should have a greater understanding of idioms after completing this Webquest. Having this knowledge enables you to be a stronger reader, writer, listener, and speaker.
Credits
Teacher Page
This ELA webquest was designed for upper elementary and middle schools students.
Designed by R. Johnson