Fourth graders learn idioms — fun expressions that don’t mean what the words literally say, like “raining cats and dogs” — and how to figure out their real meaning from context.
Students will be able to…
If someone says it’s “raining cats and dogs,” are animals really falling from the sky? Idioms are sayings that mean something different from the words!
Project this and match each idiom to what it REALLY means — tap an idiom, then tap its real meaning.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
“Raining cats and dogs” — are animals really falling?
Teacher models.
Class uses Match the Idiom.
Students decode idioms.
Students share an idiom.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and word relationships.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language.
Determine word meanings using context and reference materials.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have families share a family idiom each day and talk about what it really means. A printable idiom sheet is in the ELA library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.