Idioms for kids are colorful expressions that will add creativity and fun to language learning. This guide offers basic definitions and practical examples of the idioms to be used by the kids. It also expands on why kids should learn idioms and which themes suit them best. You will find the most popular idioms today, online learning platforms, and also how to ensure that online learning for your child is safe and effective.
What are idioms?
Idioms are words or phrases where the meaning isn’t related to the literal definition of the words. When someone says he or she is “feeling under the weather,” he or she doesn’t mean that they’re physically under a cloud. Instead, they mean they’re sick.
Idioms do not work like literal language because they need to be understood culturally instead of translated word-for-word. A child learning literally might have imagined an actual cat getting out of a bag when he or she hears “let the cat out of the bag.” However, it really means to reveal a secret. Children usually start to recognize idioms around the age of five, and comprehension skills develop drastically until age twelve.
Why should kids learn idioms?
There are quite a few reasons why kids should learn idioms. A few of them are:
- Enhances reading and understanding: Idioms are everywhere in books, films, and discussions. Children who have an understanding of idioms have a much better understanding of stories. Moreover, they engage confidently in class discussions. Academic texts rely heavily on figurative language, making idioms essential for academic success.
- Fosters creativity: The use of idioms also makes children think out of the box and convey something in an innovative and creative manner. Calling someone busy as a bee instead of being busy is one of the ways in which language is used in a unique and creative way.
- Makes learning fun: Idioms add humor and personality to the learning of language and make it fun instead of tedious. Games and creative works based on idioms make education more interesting.
- Strengthens communication skills: Learning the idioms will help you to improve your communication skills, whether written or verbal. Children communicate with peers and adults more effectively. Also, their writing becomes more sophisticated and expressive. The appropriate use of idioms is one of the key indicators of native-like fluency.
Common idioms for kids (With meanings & simple examples)
Common Idioms for kids also opens a door for kids to play with words. Idioms transform simple ideas into vivid, imaginative images and improve reading comprehension. Through the meaning and usage acquired with the informative examples that are not boring, kids become confident speakers when it comes to expressing themselves. They also better relate to stories and enjoy everyday conversations with friends, family, and teachers.
Animal idioms
Let the cat out of the bag – to tell a secret.
- Example: I did not intend to let the cat out of the bag about your birthday party!
Busy as a bee – To be busy or be in motion.
- Example: Mom is busy as a bee getting ready for the school fundraiser.
The elephant in the room – An obvious problem NO one wants to talk about.
- Example: No one has brought up the destroyed lamp, yet this was the elephant in the room when we were talking.
Weather idioms
Under the weather – To be ailing or ill.
- Example: I am not going to soccer practice as I am feeling under the weather.
Raining cats and dogs – To pour down in torrents.
- Example: We stayed all afternoon indoors because it was raining cats and dogs outside.
Every cloud has a silver lining; every difficult situation has a positive side.
- Example: I felt bad about moving, but all clouds have a silver lining. I made three best friends here!
Food idioms
Piece of cake – Very easy to do.
- Example: The Math test was a piece of cake, since we had read so much about it.
Spill the beans – To give the word out or blow the whistle.
- Example: Promise you will not spill the beans on where we are taking our vacation!
Butter someone up – To compliment someone in order to ask him for a favor.
- Example: Tom was buttering up his father and requesting to take him to the concert.
School & daily life idioms
Hit the books – To study hard.
- Example: I have to hit the books in order to pass my exam in history.
In hot water – To be in trouble.
- Example: After duplicating homework, Jake got into hot water with his teacher.
Break the ice – To lessen the level of social awkwardness of a situation.
- Example: Our teacher made us play a game during the first day of school to break the ice.
Help your kids master idioms while keeping online exploration secure.
Where kids usually learn idioms online?
Educational websites provide curated lists of idioms along with explanations and interactive activities. Similarly, English learning apps consist of games and quizzes with visual aids. Also, there are YouTube educational videos that show the pronunciations and usages in interesting formats.
Some homework help websites also provide full-fledged exercises. A few kids pick up idioms from Social media content, such as TikTok. They contain short videos that teach idiom lessons in a humorous manner and are attractive to younger audiences.
Risks of kids learn idioms online
While there are benefits to learning online, there are real challenges as well. Research from FirstCry states that approximately 25.6% of school-age children suffer problematic internet use or addiction. Excessive screen time is linked to attention problems, reduced social skills, and physical issues such as eye strain. Online platforms are vulnerable to cybersecurity issues, such as data breaches, which expose student data. There are also phishing and malware attacks, with major incidents affecting millions of user records.
Too much time in front of the screen affects neurological development and attention spans. Also, Unsupervised online learning exposes children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Lastly, Unverified sources online could report false information that compromises effective learning.
How to keep kids learn idioms effectively and safely?
Teaching idioms online can be highly effective when it is done with the right guidance and safeguards. The following strategies help parents ensure that children learn idioms in a way that is both engaging and safe. Let’s combine FlashGet Kids to help kids.
- Monitor screen time: Parents can track how long children spend on idiom-related videos, learning apps, or social media. Features like screen mirroring and remote snapshots help ensure kids stay focused on appropriate educational content instead of mindless scrolling.
- Block distracting websites: Browser control tools allow parents to block websites that may expose children to irrelevant, misleading, or inappropriate language. This keeps idiom learning limited to trusted educational sources.
- Setting up keyword detection: FlashGet Kids can alert parents if children encounter or use unsuitable words or idioms while chatting or browsing. This creates an opportunity to explain context, correct misunderstandings, and guide children toward age-appropriate language use.
- Notification Tracking: Parents can review incoming notifications and messages to ensure children are not learning slang or idioms from unsafe conversations. If concerning language appears, parents can step in early and address the issue constructively.
Learning idioms effectively through experience and interaction
Beyond safety tools, children learn idioms best when they actively engage with language in meaningful ways.
- Learn together: Research shows that kids learn better when they are with their parents. Joint activities help to strengthen learning and help you monitor their online experience. You’ll be showing them appropriate digital citizenship and providing opportunities to discuss what they’re learning.
- Maintain open communication: Create an environment in which children can communicate about their online experiences comfortably. Regular chat about what they’re learning, which websites they use, and their daily adventures will help them a lot.
- Use contextual learning: Use idioms in everyday dialogues, as well as reading and shared experiences with family, etc. Children learn idioms more effectively and naturally when they encounter them in literature and everyday conversation. Using idioms in authentic use helps in better retention.
- Balance the digital and offline learning: Use online learning and offline learning in conjunction, such as reading idiom books together. Also, try word games, creative writing, and family conversations. This varied approach supports consistent learning and prevents overreliance on screens. Lastly, everything comes down to how you enforce and internalize the information in your child’s mind.
Being open with your kid and using parental control tools like FlashGet Kids can help your child be risk-free in the digital world.
Conclusion
Idioms turn everyday language learning into an enjoyable experience by adding humor, imagination, and creativity to words. By learning idioms, kids improve their vocabulary and gain more confidence. It nudges their mind to think outside the box, as they go beyond literal meanings. However, all this learning should be paired with tools like FlashGet Kids and constant reinforcement. Otherwise, children might get exposed to harmful slang and idioms on social media without your knowledge. All in all, by balancing fun learning with smart supervision, parents can help kids enjoy language while building strong and secure learning habits.
