“Beat The Heat” – Summer Language Learning Fun with Idioms

“Beat The Heat” – Summer Language Learning Fun with Idioms

Guest post by Language Lizard

One way to “beat the heat” and keep the kids learning all summer long is with nature idioms. Kids will be “over the moon” to learn these fun and silly expressions! 

What is an Idiom?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, idioms are “a group of words whose meaning is different from the meaning of the individual words.” 

Idioms are phrases that say one thing but mean something different. In daily conversation, idioms are a quick and easy way to say something complicated. For example, the English expression “a needle in a haystack” refers to something challenging to find and doesn’t mean to look for a needle in a haystack. 

One of the most challenging parts of learning a new language is understanding these various idioms and their meanings! Idioms are also challenging for children with ASD, who can have difficulty navigating this figurative language. However, understanding these expressions benefits language learners and others because it helps them understand and speak English fluently.  Idioms can be confusing, but they are a lot of fun to learn! 

Learning Idioms

One way to teach idioms is to use visuals and stories full of fun idioms. Check out Language Lizard’s Fresh As A Daisy: English Nature Idioms, one of four books in their Idiom Series, and the fun companion video below. 

Here are some common nature idioms:

Fresh As A Daisy means to be full of energy and enthusiasm.

After a good night’s sleep, the child was fresh as a daisy. 

Under the Weather means feeling unwell.

She couldn’t go to the festival because she was under the weather.

Through the Grapevine means to learn about something through gossip.

I heard through the grapevine that my neighbors were moving.

Watch this video to learn even more about idioms: 

Learn Nature Idioms! What does it mean to “Stop and Smell the Roses” or to be “Under the Weather?”

Summertime Idioms

Here are some other popular nature idioms that relate to summertime. Can you use the expressions below in a sentence? 

Beat the Heat refers to staying cool when it’s hot outside.

Dog Days of Summer mean hot, sultry days.

It’s a Scorcher refers to a very hot day.

What are some of your favorite English idioms?