In a Pickle: And Other Funny Idioms
What’s inside...
Thirty common English phrases, such as 'a chip off the old block' and 'cry over spilled milk' are illustrated and explained.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Can you think of an idiom that you’ve heard before? What do you think it means?
Why do you think people use idioms instead of saying exactly what they mean?
Which idiom from the book did you find the funniest or most interesting, and why?
How might you explain one of these idioms to a friend who has never heard it before?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own favorite idioms with your child, making sure to explain their meanings and origins. This can lead to a richer conversation about the idioms in the book.
Encourage your child to create their own funny idioms. This can help them grasp how idioms play with language to convey unusual meanings.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of what they imagine when they hear specific idioms from the book. This can help reinforce their understanding in a fun and engaging way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding idioms and expressions
Explanation: The book presents various idioms in humorous contexts, helping children grasp the meanings behind commonly used expressions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge in enhancing their communication skills, making it easier to understand and engage in conversations that use idiomatic expressions.
Example Lesson: Cultural literacy
Explanation: Idioms are often rooted in cultural contexts. By learning these, children gain insights into different aspects of language and culture.
Real-World Application: This understanding fosters a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and aids in social interactions where cultural expressions are present.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to think creatively by interpreting the literal and figurative meanings of idioms.
Real-World Application: Enhancing creative thinking can help children in problem-solving tasks and in expressing themselves in unique ways in writing and speaking.
Example Lesson: Language development
Explanation: Exposure to idioms enriches a child's vocabulary and understanding of language nuances.
Real-World Application: This can improve their reading comprehension and linguistic abilities, which are fundamental in academic success and effective communication.
Example Lesson: Humor appreciation
Explanation: Through the humorous presentation of idioms, children learn to appreciate and understand different forms of humor.
Real-World Application: Developing a sense of humor can help children build better relationships and ease social interactions by sharing laughter and joy with others.