Mad As a Wet Hen: And Other Funny Idioms
#2 in Marvin Terban's Guides to Wordplay Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Have you ever been so angry that you were mad as a wet hen? The meanings of 134 lively idioms are explained in this entertaining and useful book.
Discussion points
Why do you think people use funny expressions like 'mad as a wet hen'? How does it make the conversation more interesting?
Can you think of a situation where you could use one of the idioms from the book? What would it be?
How do the illustrations help in understanding the meanings behind these idioms? Which illustration was your favorite and why?
If you could create your own idiom, what would it be and what would it mean?
How do idioms from the book compare to any sayings we use at home? Are they similar or different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the idioms to real-life situations or personal experiences for better understanding.
Discuss the humor behind each idiom and why it might be amusing. Shared laughter can deepen the learning experience.
Use the book’s illustrations as a visual aid to explain the meaning of more complex idioms.
Create a playful challenge by asking your child to invent their own idiom, fostering creativity and deeper comprehension of the book's themes.
Compare idioms in the book with those you use in your family or community, discussing any cultural or regional differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding figurative language
Explanation: The book introduces children to various idioms, explaining what they mean in a literal and figurative sense.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and understand idiomatic expressions, enhancing their communication skills and comprehension in daily conversations or reading other materials.
Example Lesson: Cultural literacy
Explanation: Idioms are an essential part of language and culture; the book explores the fun and humor behind these expressions.
Real-World Application: Children gain an appreciation of linguistic nuances and can connect more deeply with different aspects of English-speaking cultures.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: By deciphering the meaning behind idioms, children engage in analytical thinking to differentiate between literal and non-literal language.
Real-World Application: This skill helps in problem-solving and interpretation tasks in both academic settings and everyday life.
Example Lesson: Creativity in language use
Explanation: The playful and humorous presentation of idioms encourages children to think creatively about language.
Real-World Application: This creativity can extend to their own storytelling, writing, and conversational abilities, fostering a love for playing with language.
Example Lesson: Building vocabulary
Explanation: Learning idioms helps children expand their vocabulary and understand more complex language structures.
Real-World Application: A broader vocabulary aids in reading comprehension, effective communication, and academic success as they progress in their education.