Exploring Literal and Nonliteral Meanings in Literacy

Heather Jenkins introduces the concept of literal and non-literal meanings in language. She explains that literal meanings are exactly what the words say, while non-literal meanings, often found in idioms, convey different meanings. Examples like 'raining cats and dogs' and 'ants in my pants' illustrate these concepts. The video includes an activity where students identify non-literal meanings in phrases. The lesson concludes with a challenge for students to draw literal and non-literal meanings of a phrase.

What does the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' imply?

• It is a sunny and clear day.

• Cats and dogs are falling from the sky.

• It is lightly raining.

• It is raining very heavily or for a long time.

What does the literal meaning of a phrase imply?

• It is a type of idiom.

• It means exactly what it says.

• It has a hidden meaning.

• It means something different than what it says.

What does 'ants in my pants' figuratively mean?

• Feeling restless or impatient.

• Feeling very calm and relaxed.

• There are ants walking on pants.

• Sitting comfortably.

What does 'a piece of cake' figuratively mean?

• A slice of cake.

• Something very difficult.

• Something very easy.

• A type of dessert.

What does 'my cup of tea' mean when used figuratively?

• A cold beverage.

• Something that one enjoys or prefers.

• Something that one dislikes.

• A hot drink made from tea leaves.

What does 'spill the beans' mean in a non-literal sense?

• Cooking a bean recipe.

• Eating beans.

• Reveal a secret or speak too much.

• Pour beans out of a container.

Which phrase means to be nervous?

• Lion's den

• Butterflies in your stomach

• Hold your horses

• Open a can of worms

What does 'open a can of worms' mean?

• To start a new project.

• To go fishing.

• To create new problems or difficulties.

• To organize things.

What does 'hold your horses' mean?

• To wait or be patient.

• To grab the horses tightly.

• To ride horses quickly.

• To buy a new horse.

What does 'smell a rat' mean figuratively?

• Detecting a foul odor.

• Finding a rodent.

• Suspecting something is wrong.

• Cleaning a house.