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The Idiom Connection: Student Idiom Project

Details

Main Website:

https://www.idiomconnection.com/

Activity Website:

https://www.idiomconnection.com/

Tech Product/Equipment:

Computer and projector, Mobile devices for students, Idiom Project Prompt handout, note-taking worksheet, and Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc

Activity Description

Source: The Idiom Connection (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])

This website lists numerous English language idioms alphabetically and by topic. Students can be assigned to choose a set number of idioms from the site and create a presentation to teach the class the idiom(s): a PowerPoint, a dialog, a digital film or comic strip based on the dialog, or a video.

Preparation

Make sure that the idiom Web Site (link above) is not blocked at your school. Also check any other sites that you want to use from the list on the Example Document 1 (above).
Download Example Document 1 - Prompt for an Idiom Project, and make any changes you need to for your level of students. Then print a copy for each student.

Teacher Tips

The Web site contains some ads, but they should not be too distracting for students. Train your students how to recognize ads and avoid them on this or any other Web site.

More Ways

Students can be assigned to use the site for self-study.
There are short quizzes with a few questions about the idioms on each alpha and/or topic page.
You can create a list of the idioms and have students write in definitions and their own original sentences using the idioms.

Program Areas

ABE: Adult Basic Education

Levels

Low
Intermediate
High
All Levels

View Lesson Plan

Warm-up

Engagement

Objective: Students will activate prior knowledge and begin to understand idioms in context.

Display or say the following short story:
- “Yesterday, after work, I was so hungry. I ate a burger, fries, a shake, and dessert. I ate like a pig.”
Ask students:
- What does “like a pig” mean?
- Does it mean the person is actually a pig?
Facilitate a quick Think–Pair–Share:
- Think: What is an idiom?
- Pair: Discuss with a partner
- Share: Volunteers explain their ideas
The teacher introduces the definition:
- Idiom: A phrase whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words
Provide 2–3 additional idioms and have students guess meanings.

Introduction

Objective: Students understand the purpose and expectations of the lesson.

Explain:
- Today, students will explore idioms and teach them to classmates through a creative project
- Emphasize real-world relevance:
  - Idioms are common in conversations, movies, and workplaces
- Introduce the project:
  - Students will create a product (dialogue, video, comic, or presentation) using idioms
- Share learning goal:

“I can explain and correctly use common English idioms in speaking and writing.”

Presentation

Objective: Students learn how to identify and use idioms correctly.

Project and explore:
👉 https://www.idiomconnection.com/
Model how to:
- Navigate the website (alphabetical or topic search)
- Read idiom definitions and examples
Teacher models a sample idiom:
- Idiom: “Break the ice.”
- Meaning: To start a conversation in a social situation
- Example dialogue
Show a sample student project (PowerPoint, comic, or short script)
Highlight expectations:
- Correct idiom meaning
- Clear context
- Creativity and clarity

Practice

Objective: Students collaboratively explore and begin applying idioms.

Part 1: Exploration (10–15 min)

Students work in pairs or small groups
Task:
- Browse the website
- Choose 2–4 idioms
- Take notes:
  - Meaning
  - Example sentence

Part 2: Guided Creation (10–15 min)

Students begin creating:
- A short dialogue OR
- Story using selected idioms
The teacher circulates and provides feedback on:
- Accuracy
- Grammar
- Clarity

Evaluation

Objective: Students demonstrate understanding through presentation and application.

Project Completion & Presentation

Students create and present one of the following:

PowerPoint or Google Slides
Skit/dialogue performance
Comic strip
Short video
Presentation Requirements:
- Include idiom(s)
- Define idiom(s)
- Show the idiom used in context

Audience Engagement

Provide students with a note-taking sheet
While listening, students record:
- Idiom
- Meaning
- Example

Quick Assessment
Exit Ticket or Short Quiz:

Match idioms to meanings OR
Use idioms in sentences

Application

Objective: Students transfer learning to real-life use.

Students complete one of the following:
- Write 3 original sentences using new idioms
- Keep an “Idiom Journal” for one week (record idioms heard in real life, TV, or online)
- Complete short quizzes from the website