Figurative language is everywhere in reading and writing, yet many students struggle to understand what idioms, proverbs, and adages actually mean. These expressions appear often in novels, nonfiction texts, and everyday conversations, but their meanings are rarely literal, which makes them especially confusing for upper elementary and middle school students.
Teaching idioms, proverbs, and adages requires more than quick definitions. Students need clear explanations, examples, and opportunities to explore how figurative language works in context. With intentional instruction, these abstract phrases can become meaningful tools students recognize and use confidently.
Why Idioms, Proverbs, and Adages Are Difficult for Students
Unlike similes or metaphors, idioms, proverbs, and adages cannot be understood word for word. The literal meanings often sound strange or silly, which leads students to misunderstand them or avoid using them altogether.
Idioms are phrases that mean something different from what the words actually say. Proverbs are short sayings that offer advice or life lessons. Adages are widely accepted truths that have been passed down over time. Because these expressions depend on cultural and historical context, students often confuse the categories or assume they all mean the same thing.
FYI: I only endorse things that I've personally used or have come highly recommended from my teacher friends and family and think they may be helpful to you. If you buy anything mentioned using my Amazon referral links, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This is why figurative language instruction must be explicit. When students understand how these expressions work, they become better readers and more precise writers.
Why Teaching the Origins of Figurative Language Matters
One of the most effective ways to teach idioms, proverbs, and adages is by exploring where they come from. Many idioms originally had very literal meanings connected to history, occupations, or daily life. Over time, those meanings shifted into figurative ones.
When students learn the origins of expressions like “cost an arm and a leg” or “straight from the horse’s mouth,” the figurative meaning becomes easier to remember. Teaching the history behind figurative language helps students:
- Build deeper understanding instead of memorizing definitions
- Recognize idioms and proverbs while reading
- Use figurative language more accurately in writing
This approach turns figurative language lessons into meaningful learning experiences rather than isolated vocabulary activities.
Teaching Idioms and Figurative Language in Context
Effective figurative language activities go beyond listing examples. Students need structured opportunities to process meaning, restate ideas in their own words, and apply what they’ve learned.
Strong idioms, proverbs, and adages lessons often include:
- Student-friendly notes that explain each type of figurative language
- Examples that show how expressions are used in real texts
- Practice activities that require students to explain meanings
- Visual representations to support comprehension
These strategies help figurative language stick and make it easier for students to transfer their understanding to reading and writing tasks.
Supporting Upper Elementary and Middle School Learners with Figurative Language
Figurative language can be especially challenging for English learners, struggling readers, and students who need extra support with abstract language. Providing modified notes pages and structured practice reduces cognitive overload while keeping expectations high.
Clear notes and guided practice allow teachers to use figurative language resources in whole-group lessons, small groups, or independent work. This flexibility makes it easier to revisit idioms, proverbs, and adages throughout the year instead of treating them as a one-time lesson.
A Classroom-Ready Figurative Language Resource Teaching Idioms, Proverbs and Adages
If you’re looking for a ready-to-use way to teach idioms, proverbs, and adages, this Figurative Language Notes and Practice resource is designed specifically for upper elementary and middle school ELA classrooms.
It includes:
- Student notes for idioms, proverbs, and adages
- Clear explanations and examples
- Practice pages that reinforce understanding
- Answer keys for easy implementation
You can find the resource here:
Idioms, Proverbs & Adages Figurative Language Notes
This resource works well within a figurative language unit, reading comprehension lessons, or writing instruction where students need to recognize and explain nonliteral language.
Check Out My Other Engaging Poetry & Vocabulary Posts
Teaching Poetic Sound Devices Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Guide to Teaching Prefixes and Suffixes
Teaching Syllables in a Fun and Interesting Way
Resources for Successfully Teaching Grammar
How to Teach Greek and Latin Roots
