How to Teach Idioms to Kids: Fun Activities and Examples

Language is more than words and grammar; it’s also about creativity, expression, and culture. Idioms bring color to communication, helping kids think beyond literal meanings. But for children, idioms can be tricky because phrases like “raining cats and dogs” or “break the ice” don’t make sense at first glance.

If you’re a parent or teacher wondering how to teach idioms to kids effectively, you’ll need fun, interactive, and engaging strategies. In this blog, we’ll explore step-by-step ways to make idioms enjoyable for children, supported with activities, examples, and tips.

What Are Idioms? (Explaining Figurative Language to Kids)

Idioms are phrases where the meaning cannot be understood literally. For example:

• “Hit the sack” means go to sleep.

• “Piece of cake” means something very easy.

Idioms help children expand vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, and develop creative thinking. When kids learn idioms, they also get insights into cultural expressions and humor.

Why Teach Idioms to Children?

Teaching idioms to children has several benefits:

• Boosts creativity – Kids learn to see language beyond literal meanings.

• Improves reading skills – Many idioms appear in stories, poems, and books.

• Enhances communication – Using idioms makes kids’ speech expressive.

• Builds cultural understanding – Idioms often reflect traditions and history.

By introducing idioms for kids, we help them become better readers, writers, and speakers.

Help your child master idioms and figurative language with ease. 

Book a free PlanetSpark demo class today!

Common Challenges Kids Face with Idioms

While idioms are fun, they can also be confusing. Children may:

• Take idioms literally (thinking “spill the beans” means beans fell).

• Struggle with abstract thinking.

• Get frustrated when idioms don’t follow normal grammar rules.

That’s why using fun ways to teach idioms is crucial.

How to Teach Idioms to Kids Step by Step

1. Start with Simple Idioms and Meanings

Choose easy, relatable idioms like:

• “Under the weather” = feeling sick

• “Cold feet” = nervous before doing something

• “Break the ice” = start a conversation

These are everyday phrases children can connect with.

2. Use Stories and Context

Kids learn idioms better when they see them in action. For example:

• Instead of just saying “hit the sack”, tell a bedtime story where a character says, “I’m tired. I’ll hit the sack.”

3. Visual Learning with Illustrations

Draw idioms literally first, then explain their actual meaning. Kids find it hilarious when they see pictures of cats and dogs falling from the sky.

4. Play Idiom Games

• Matching games: Match idioms with meanings.

• Charades: Act out idioms like “jump the gun.”

• Story building: Kids create short stories using idioms.

5. Encourage Practice in Daily Conversations

Ask children to use one new idiom daily. For example, when they finish homework, they can say, “That was a piece of cake.”

Fun Idioms Activities for Kids

Activity 1: Idiom Flashcards

Prepare flashcards with one side showing the idiom and the other side showing its meaning. Use colorful drawings to help kids visualize.

Activity 2: Idiom Jar

Write idioms on slips of paper and place them in a jar. Each day, a child picks one, learns its meaning, and tries using it in a sentence.

Activity 3: Idiom Story Challenge

Give kids three idioms and ask them to create a short, funny story that includes all of them.

Activity 4: Idiom Comics

Encourage children to draw comic strips that show idioms literally and then reveal their real meaning.

Examples of Simple Idioms with Meanings for Kids

Here’s a list of easy idioms to start with:

• A piece of cake – something very easy

• Break the ice – start a conversation

• Spill the beans – reveal a secret

• Hit the books – start studying

• Under the weather – not feeling well

• Let the cat out of the bag – reveal a secret accidentally

• Cold feet – feeling nervous

• Burn the midnight oil – stay up late working

• Jump the gun – start too early

• Bite your tongue – stop yourself from speaking

These idioms and phrases for beginners make the learning process smoother.

Turn confusing phrases into fun learning moments. 

Enroll your child in PlanetSpark’s Creative Writing classes now!

Creative Idiom Lessons for the Classroom

Teachers can bring idioms alive by:

• Using theater – Role-play scenes with idioms.

• Linking to subjects – Science idioms like “in hot water” can be connected to experiments.

• Daily idiom boards – Write one idiom on the board daily and discuss its meaning.

Teaching Figurative Language Beyond Idioms

Idioms are one part of figurative language. Children can also learn:

• Similes – “As busy as a bee”

• Metaphors – “Time is money”

• Proverbs – “A stitch in time saves nine”

This holistic approach makes learning English idioms explained for children more effective.

Unlock your child’s creativity and communication skills. 

Schedule a free PlanetSpark trial class today!

How Parents Can Teach Idioms at Home

Parents can:

• Use idioms in conversations naturally.

• Watch cartoons and shows that include idioms.

• Read storybooks with idiomatic expressions.

• Reward kids for using idioms correctly.

Digital Tools and Resources for Teaching Idioms

• Apps: Educational apps with idiom games.

• Videos: Animated YouTube channels explain idioms visually.

• Worksheets: Printable idiom worksheets with exercises.

Idioms in Children’s Literature

Many classic children’s books and fairy tales are filled with idioms. When kids encounter phrases like “the last straw” or “hold your horses” in stories, they connect better with the meaning. Teachers and parents can pause during reading sessions to explain these expressions. This not only helps children understand the story more deeply but also strengthens their vocabulary. Adding a fun discussion around idioms in literature makes reading interactive. Encouraging kids to spot idioms in books develops critical thinking and sparks curiosity about language beyond its literal sense.

Using Cartoons and Movies to Teach Idioms

Cartoons and animated movies are fantastic resources for teaching idioms to children. Characters often use phrases like “I’m all ears” or “don’t cry over spilled milk” in funny situations. Watching these with subtitles helps children understand both context and pronunciation. Parents and teachers can pause a scene and ask kids what the phrase really means. This keeps the learning lighthearted and entertaining. When idioms are linked to favorite characters, kids are more likely to remember and reuse them. Visual storytelling is one of the most effective fun ways to teach idioms naturally.

Classroom Games with Idioms

Teachers can make idioms a daily part of classroom activities. For example, a “guess the idiom” game lets students act out phrases while others try to guess the meaning. Word puzzles and idiom bingo are also effective tools. Dividing students into groups and giving them idioms to use in short skits can encourage teamwork and creativity. These activities help children overcome hesitation and confidently use idioms in speech. Fun, interactive classroom methods transform idioms from abstract phrases into practical language tools, making teaching idioms to children both easy and memorable.

Encouraging Kids to Create Their Own Idioms

An exciting activity for older children is asking them to invent new idioms. For example, they might say “chasing rainbows” to describe pursuing something impossible. This exercise helps children understand how figurative language works and why people create expressions. It also develops creativity and writing skills, as they learn to explain abstract ideas with imaginative phrases. Sharing these “new idioms” in class or at home can be a fun competition. This playful activity not only reinforces existing idioms but also inspires kids to experiment with language, making learning engaging and meaningful.

Give your child the confidence to use idioms in speech and writing. 

Join PlanetSpark’s English Communication classes.

PlanetSpark: Making Idioms and Creative Writing Fun

At PlanetSpark, children don’t just learn words; they master creative expression. Through Creative Writing Courses and English Communication Classes, kids explore idioms, figurative language, and storytelling in an engaging way.

Why PlanetSpark?

• Expert tutors simplify complex concepts like idioms.

• Kids learn through interactive games and stories.

• Personalized sessions ensure every child gains confidence.

👉 Book a free demo class today and help your child master idioms while boosting creativity.

Making Idioms a Fun Journey for Kids

Learning idioms doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right activities, stories, and games, kids can enjoy the journey of mastering idiomatic expressions. Parents and teachers can nurture this skill through creativity and consistency.

If you want to make idioms and communication an exciting adventure for your child, PlanetSpark’s Creative Writing and English courses are the perfect place to start.

“Teaching kids idioms is not about memorizing phrases, but about opening doors to creativity, culture, and expression.”

Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best age to teach idioms to kids?
Kids around 7–9 years old are ready to start learning idioms.

2. How to make idioms easy for kids?
Use visuals, games, and simple examples children can relate to.

3. Why is teaching idioms important?
Idioms improve vocabulary, creativity, and cultural understanding.

4. Can idioms confuse children?
Yes, if taught without context. That’s why fun, practical examples are essential.

5. How to teach idioms to kids at home?
Parents can use idioms in conversations, books, and storytelling.

6. Are idioms useful in writing?
Absolutely. Idioms make writing more expressive and engaging.

7. How do PlanetSpark courses help with idioms?
PlanetSpark tutors use creative lessons to help children master idioms and apply them in communication.