Proverbs, idioms, and quotes | TeachingEnglish | British Council

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Proverbs, idioms, and quotes

Submitted by CagriHoca on 20 January, 2012 - 23:14

Recently I began to use English proverbs and idioms as warmers. Before opening our coursebooks I write a proverb on the board and then we discuss what the meaning can be. It's really enjoyable!

Then I started to use quotes too. Since my students are beginners I choose them carefully. I try to write famous quotes from Ataturk, Gandhi, Aristotles, Einstein etc. which they know in Turkish very well. For example I write Ataturk's "Peace at home, peace in the world." before the lesson of prepositions of place. Then we discuss, to whom this quote belongs to, what does he mean...

This week, I wanted to use quotes from the famous movies like Titanic, Godfather etc. but unfortunately just few of my students like watching English or American movies. :( So, my last attempt was unsuccessful.

What do you think? Do you also use such things? What else can be done?

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gulnur

phrasal verbs-flatmates

Submitted on 21 January, 2012 - 11:02

Hi,

I love idioms, new expressions. I prefer to use them depending on our themes. For example our theme is 'health'. I have searched the episodes from 'flatmates' such as http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode136/languagepoint.shtml

Then I upload the adresses on our school's moodle. If the moodle does not work I have sent the adresses by mail. I have told them to read the conversations between the flatmates do the quz and take notes about the mentioned episodes. In class I asked them which words they remember. Then İn groups they are asked to present us the words they have learnt from the address. After that they present it in class. In the exams they are asked to write similar dialogues from the flatmates with these words.

I think if these expressions are related to the topic we are using in class, they will become easy for my students to learn.

MaryLu

How long does it take to

Submitted on 21 January, 2012 - 11:45

How long does it take to discuss a quote? as your students are beginners, is it easy for them to find all necessary words for discussion?

Thank you.

oztrkozge

Hi there,Maybe you can make

Submitted on 21 January, 2012 - 19:59

Hi there,

Maybe you can make your students find the quotes, idioms or proverbs for each day. In that way, they will choose what they like and would be enjoyd by the others, as well. Some of them are really difficult in terms of vocabulary, You can also try to make them write their idioms on carton paper and then put them all onto the classroom walls :) more visual :)

CagriHoca

gulnur, thank you for your

Submitted on 21 January, 2012 - 22:33

gulnur, thank you for your comment and for the link. I'll use it. :)

MaryLu it takes maximum 7-8 minutes. It's easy for them to find words but it's difficult for me to find proverbs according to their level. :)

oztrkozge thank you for your suggestion. I'll try, I'm sure your idea will provide autonomy and visualization will be really useful!

merveoflaz

good to teach idioms

Submitted on 21 January, 2012 - 22:49

It is good to teach these kind of extra things, but difficult to explain. Besides, students forget things easily. There are great short videos about idioms and proverbs in the website below. It is the same site gulnur suggested, but a different part of it. Your students will adore the crazy teacher explaining things and they will never forget those expressions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theteacher/2011/12/111230_teacher_new_year.shtml

lemanulas

same idea ;)

Submitted on 21 January, 2012 - 22:52

Hi my friend, I also write some about the quotes in my blog. Title is ''Famous Quotes!'' I also use this in my class ;) It is enjoyable!If you browse my page I mean blog you can find Famous Quotes. I share my experince there ;) thanks... :)

CagriHoca

merveoflaz thank you for your

Submitted on 23 January, 2012 - 22:33

merveoflaz thank you for your comment, and for the link ;)

lemanulas thank youu, I'll check it surely ;)