©2011 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc. • Idiom Costume Ideas 1

ideascostume

By NadiNe GilkisoNw w w . s m e k e n s e d u c a t i o n . c o m

Wrapped up in thoughts

Two left feet

Middle School

©2011 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc. • Idiom Costume Ideas 2

CCR.R.4 Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including…figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

CCR.l.5 Demonstrate an understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

ideascostume

Get the Ball RolliNG

Idiomatic meaning: start something

Sentence: At first the party was a

dud, but then we put on some music and that got

the ball rolling.

as easy as pie

Idiomatic meaning: a simple task

Sentence: Yesterday’s math

homework was as easy as pie.

hit the hay

Idiomatic meaning: go to bed

Sentence: After an all-day field trip, the kids were ready to hit

the hay.

oN piNs aNd Needles

Idiomatic meaning: nervous or anxious,

anticipating something

Sentence: She was on pins and

needles waiting to give her speech to the entire school.

IdIom examples

CRedits: Blokletter font courtesy of LeFly Fonts & Clip art courtesy of Lettering Delights

iN this dowNload you’ll fiNd:Page 3 | A parent letter explaining idiom costumes

Pages 4-5 | A photo collage of example costumes

Identifying idioms is an important part of understanding figurative language.

To begin this unit, present mini-lessons that include examples of idiomatic

phrases and explain their literal versus figurative meanings.

Teach students to identify idioms within a text and how to decode their

figurative meaning. Then, discuss how authors intend the idiom to be utilized

within a text with modeling. Have students apply their knowledge of idioms

within written responses and writing prompts.

To culminate this unit of study, have each student select an idiom to portray

literally. When submitting their selections, students must be able to explain

the figurative meaning of the idiom they have chosen to represent, as well as

be able to provide an example of their idiom in context. This is a fun activity to

culminate and demonstrate a student’s understanding of idioms.

©2011 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc. • Idiom Costume Ideas 3

Parents,

An important part of comprehension within a text requires that

students understand the use of figurative language. We are beginning

an emphasis on figurative language with a focus on idioms.

As a culminating activity, I would like for each student to come to

school dressed as his/her favorite idiom on _______________________.

(Shhh! Students, don’t tell anyone what idiom you are; the fun will be try-

ing to guess what idiom people are dressed as!)

Common idioms are displayed around this letter, and your child will

bring home several lists over the next couple of weeks. In addition, there

are some example Idiom Costumes on the next page to get you thinking.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

piece of Cake

let the Cat out of the Bag

I’m all ears Hit the Hay

slam dunk

Not my C

up of Teasp

illed

the

Bea

nsTw

o peas in a podHo

ld Y

our

Hors

es

©2011 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc. • Idiom Costume Ideas 4

On the same page

Wrapped up in thoughts

Eat your words Green thumb Letting the cat out of the bag

Put on big girl pantsTwo left feet

Photos courtesy of Melanie Beaver and her students at West Vigo Middle School (Terre Haute, IN)

fRee pReview

TakE a TEsT DrivE!The best way to see the power of webPD is to watch an actual video! Contact Director of Professional Development Brady Smekens today to set up your own complimentary preview or to inquire about our customized video bundles, district pricing, and more. (888) 376-0448

webpdby SmekenS education

watCh leaRN&with the launch of “webPd” by smekens education, every teacher in your building

can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to watch powerful seminar-style presentations on a variety of topics in reading and writing.

On-demand Reading & Writing PD for K-12 educators

Watch instantly at SmekenswebPD.com(Or schedule your subscription with a purchase order!)

Here’S a SamPlIng of Current VIDeoS:Recognizing the six traits

(Grades K-2; 3-5; 6-12)

Rolling out the trait language (Grades K-1; 2-5; 6-12)

delivering dynamic Mini-lessons in writing (Grades K-1; 2-5; 6-12)

literacy stations for elementary Classrooms (Grades K-5)

introducing Comprehension strategies to students (Grades K-12)

Classroom Mini-lessons: introducing the 6 traits in 6 days with 6 texts (Grades 3-5)

Classroom Mini-lessons: introducing the 6 traits in 6 days with 1 text (Grades 6-12)

strategies for teaching Content-area literacy (Grades 5-12)

Thank you for downloading this product! To view hundreds of free literacy tips and tricks for K-12 teachers, visit the Idea Library on our smekens education website.

kRistiNa sMekeNsL e a d L i t e r a c y c o n s u L t a n t

CouRtNey GoRdoNL i t e r a c y c o n s u L t a n t

kRisti McCullouGhL i t e r a c y c o n s u L t a n t

©2011 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc.