Context
Idioms can be confusing, especially for students learning English. This activity helps them explore the figurative and literal meanings of common idioms by representing them visually. It deepens understanding through creative expression, promotes language retention, and supports diverse learners through visual thinking. Students not only identify what an idiom means but show it.
Preparation & Flow
1. Intro & Warm-Up
Introduce the concept of idioms.
Share 2–3 examples (e.g. “spill the beans,” “raining cats and dogs”).
Ask: What would these look like if they were real?
2. Idiom Selection
Provide a list of idioms (or let them draw one at random).
Students choose one to illustrate.
3. Sketch & Explain
Use Freeform or Sketches School on iPads to draw the idiom—literally, figuratively, or both.
Students write 1–2 sentences explaining what the idiom means and how their image represents it.
4. Share & Discuss
Students present their idioms in pairs or small groups.
The class can guess the idiom based on the drawing before hearing the explanation.
Possible Extensions
Guess the Idiom Gallery: Display illustrations around the room; classmates walk around and try to guess each idiom before checking the answer.
Digital Poster Design: Use Canva or Keynote to create an idiom poster with definition, drawing, and example sentence.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Farez
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.