Idiom Picture Dictionary: A Visual Way to Learn Expressions in ANY Language

Here's an easy routine for your English Language Arts, English Language Learners, Special Education, or Second Language class. Teach your students idioms and expressions by having them create their own picture dictionary!

How to Use:

- Show the sample to your class to explain the steps.
- Students will write down a new idiom, find its translation, use it in a sentence (to SHOW its meaning), and draw a picture. I recommend the picture shows the real meaning and the idiom mixed together as in the two samples.

- Print booklets of 2 or more double sided pages for your students to have room for at least 8 idioms.
- If using for a different language (i.e. French, Spanish, etc.), print the blank pages and fill in the words (name, title, idiom, translation, and sample sentence) in the language you are using before copying.

Sample Idioms to Use in English:

• -  Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

• -  Beat around the bush

• -  Your back is against the wall

• -  Feeling under the weather

• -  We will cross that bridge when we get to it

• -  Cut me some slack

• -  Sell like hotcakes

• -  Fish out of water

• -  He bought it hook link and sinker

• -  A piece of cake

• -  Once in a blue moon

• -  Get bent out of shape

• -  Don’t cry over spilled milk

• -  On a wild goose chase

• -  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Grades to Use With:

This would work well in grades 4-7 English Language Arts classes. It could also be used with English Language Learners, World Language Learners, and Special Education students of a variety of ages.

Standards:

CCSSL.4.5b

Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs.

CCSSL.5.5b

Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs.

6 Page PDF:

Teacher Instructions and Idiom List

Sample Page

2 Pages of English Picture Dictionary

2 Pages of Blank Picture Dictionary (you can adjust for ANY language)