Mastering Figurative Language with an Idiom Anchor Chart
Teaching figurative language can be a challenge, especially when students encounter idioms for the first time. Because idioms are phrases where the meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words, students often struggle with literal interpretations. An idiom anchor chart serves as a permanent visual reference in the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between literal and figurative meanings.
What is an Idiom Anchor Chart?
An anchor chart is a tool used in classrooms to "anchor" student learning. It is a large, hand-drawn or printed poster that summarizes a key concept. An idiom anchor chart specifically focuses on common expressions, providing a clear definition of what an idiom is and offering examples that students can refer to during independent reading or writing sessions.
For many educators, including those following rigorous curricula like the Expeditionary Learning Middle School models used by Jill Znaczko's eighth-graders in Syracuse, New York, these visual aids are essential. They transform abstract linguistic concepts into concrete visual reminders, allowing students to independently identify and analyze figurative language in complex texts.
How I Actually Go About Making My Anchor Charts
Creating an effective anchor chart requires a balance of clarity and visual appeal. I love making these tools because they personalize the learning environment and cater to visual learners. Here is the process I use to ensure the chart is both functional and engaging:
- Defining the Core Concept: I start by writing a clear, concise definition of an "idiom" at the top of the chart. For example: "An expression that means something different from the literal meaning of the words."
- Selecting Common Examples: I choose a mix of high-frequency idioms. Examples like "piece of cake" or "break a leg" are staples, but I also include idioms found in the current texts the students are reading.
- Visual Contrast: To help students understand the difference between literal and figurative, I often divide the chart. One side shows a literal drawing (e.g., a person actually breaking a leg), while the other side explains the figurative meaning (wishing someone good luck).
- Color Coding: I use different colors for the idiom itself and its meaning to help students categorize the information quickly.
The Benefits of Pre-Making Anchor Charts
While some teachers prefer to create charts collaboratively with students, I pre-make my anchor charts. There are several strategic reasons for this approach:
- Time Management: Creating a polished, legible chart takes time. By preparing them in advance, I can focus entirely on the instructional delivery and student interaction during the lesson.
- Visual Consistency: Pre-making charts allows me to ensure that the layout is organized and that the most important information is highlighted, preventing the chart from becoming cluttered.
- Immediate Availability: Having the chart ready to be unveiled during the "I Do" phase of a lesson creates a sense of anticipation and provides an immediate focal point for the lecture.
Tips for Hanging and Utilizing Your Charts
Simply creating the chart is not enough; where and how you display it matters. When hanging your idiom anchor chart, consider the following:
Eye-Level Placement: Ensure the chart is hung at a height where students can read the text and see the illustrations without straining. If the chart is too high, it becomes background noise rather than a tool.
Interactive Integration: I encourage students to "interact" with the chart. When a student discovers a new idiom in a book, we add a sticky note to the anchor chart with the new phrase and its meaning. This turns a static poster into a living document of the class's growing vocabulary.
Cross-Curricular Use: Idioms aren't just for English class. Encourage students to look for idioms in history texts or social studies articles, referring back to the chart to determine if a phrase is meant literally or figuratively.
