French / English Idiomatic Expressions

Richard Lim

PROCEDURE:

1. Activity I: Warm-up. Display 10 idiomatic expressions in a complete sentence and post them all over the classroom. Divide the class into six teams. Each group has to appoint a secretary. The team members must attempt to memorise the expression and tell it to the secretary. Music will be played, when the music stops, the group with the most idioms wins. The secretary will record all the idiomatic expressions on a lined sheet. (10 minutes)
2. Activity II: Explain each idiomatic expression. Japanese translation maybe required. A Japanese example can be used. Example “Ichiro wa kao ga hiroii ne”, The literal translation is “Ichiro face is broad, isn’t it?” The actual meaning is “Ichiro is very popular isn’t he?”
3. Each group will receive idiom cards and worksheets. Have each group write a skit concerning the idiomatic expression they received. Have the JTE and the ALT assist each group. Each skit is limited to six to eight lines. A minimum of six lines must be written. (25 minutes)
4. Activity III: Skit Presentation. Have each group write the expression on the chalkboard and briefly explain what the meaning of each expression. At least 2-3 students must perform in the skit. (15 minutes)

NOTE:

I used this lesson plan for my academic school. For simple French expressions that I used are: “bon voyage”, “bon appetite”, “a la carte”, “rendezvous”, “deja-vu”. For English, I used “blue moon”, “couch potato”, “when pigs fly”, “raining cats and dogs” and “working like a dog”. This lesson plan was designed for around 40 students.