South Dakota ELA 4.L.5.b

ELA4th GradeLanguage

The Standard

4.L.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and subtle differences in word meanings.

Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms and proverbs.

South Dakota English Language Arts Standards (2025)

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students spot familiar sayings in stories and conversations. They use the situation to explain what the speaker really means. They identify when a saying offers general advice.
What Mastery Looks Like: In 'Luis spilled the beans about the party,' a student explains that Luis revealed a secret. The student explains that 'A stitch in time saves nine' advises fixing a small problem before it grows.
Common Misconceptions: Students may picture actual beans or stitches instead of finding the intended meaning. They may think 'A stitch in time saves nine' applies only to sewing. Some label 'break a leg' as advice because it sounds like a command.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: 'Tara spilled the beans about the surprise party. The guests arrived late, and she said, “Better late than never.”' Explain both sayings and circle the one that offers general advice.

Lesson moves

Give pairs cards with 'spill the beans,' 'hit the books,' and matching situations; have them pair the cards and explain their choices.
Ask students to write when 'Look before you leap' would be useful advice and what action it warns against.
Play a team sort with printed sayings; students place each under idiom or proverb and explain one choice.
Put 'Break a leg!' on a mock theater poster; ask what an actor should understand before a show.

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