CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5b
The Standard
Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to spot common figurative sayings and explain what they mean in normal language. They should know that “spill the beans” is not about beans, and that a proverb like “The early bird catches the worm” gives advice about life.
Mastery looks like matching a saying to its meaning, using it in a fitting sentence, and explaining the lesson or idea behind it. Students often get stuck by taking words literally, confusing similar sayings, or giving a meaning that is too vague, like “be good” or “try hard.”
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs idiom cards and meaning cards, then have them match, draw the literal meaning, and write the real meaning underneath.
- Ask students to choose one proverb and write: What advice does it give, and when would someone say it?
- Read five short sentences with idioms, and have students write the meaning of each phrase on a sticky note.
- Bring in sports headlines, song lyrics, or family sayings, and have students find idioms, adages, or proverbs used in real life.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5b
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.