Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in grade-level text, including figurative language.
Pennsylvania Core Standards:
E04.B-V.4.1.1
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or restatements in text) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase, including words or phrases that allude to significant characters found in literature (e.g., Herculean effort). b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., telegraph, photograph, autograph).
Pennsylvania Core Standards:
E04.B-V.4.1.2
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Explain the meaning of similes and metaphors in context. b. Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. c. Demonstrate understanding of words by relating them to their antonyms and synonyms
Pennsylvania Core Standards:
CC.1.3.4.f
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in grade-level text, including figurative language.
Pennsylvania Core Standards:
E04.A-V.4.1.1
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or restatements in text) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase, including words or phrases that allude to significant characters found in literature (e.g., Herculean effort). b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., telegraph, photograph, autograph).
Pennsylvania Core Standards:
E04.A-V.4.1.2
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Explain the meaning of similes and metaphors in context. b. Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. c. Demonstrate understanding of words by relating them to their antonyms and synonyms.
An idiom is a phrase in which the meaning of each word separately does not tell the reader what the phrase means. In other words, the words in the phrase mean something more than each word alone.
To figure out the meaning of an idiom, look for clues in the passage.
Example: I like my new neighborhood, and the water park across the street is the icing on the cake.
Meaning: The neighborhood does not have cake or icing, but the context of the sentence tells the reader that the speaker already likes the neighborhood, and the water park makes it even better.
Adages and Proverbs
An adage or a proverb is an old saying that says something wise. Over time, many people have accepted such sayings as true.
To figure out the meaning of a saying, look for clues in the passage.
Example: Beggars cannot be choosers.
Meaning: If someone gives you something you asked for, do not complain about what you get.
Example: Love is blind.
Meaning: When you love someone, you do not see the things that are wrong with him or her.
4th Grade Reading - Idioms, Adages, & Proverbs Lesson