A student encounters an idiom while reading; after the teacher explains it and the student understands, what should the teacher do next to help the student remember the idiom?

A student encounters an idiom while reading; after the teacher explains it and the student understands, what should the teacher do next to help the student remember the idiom?

• A. Ask the student to draw a picture of what the idiom describes
• B. Tell the student to memorize the dictionary definition
• C. Have the student practice with unrelated phrases
• D. Skip the idiom and move on

Answer: (A)

After understanding an idiom, using a visual cue helps memory solidify. Having the student draw a picture of what the idiom describes creates a concrete image that links the figurative meaning to something memorable. This dual coding—combining words with an image—makes it easier to recall the idiom later and to recognize it in context. For example, if the idiom is “spill the beans,” a simple drawing of someone spilling beans while sharing a secret helps connect the idea of revealing information to a vivid image. Relying on a dictionary definition treats the phrase literally, which can be confusing since idioms don’t mean what they say. Practicing with unrelated phrases won’t strengthen the specific idiom’s memory, and skipping it misses a chance to reinforce retention.

After understanding an idiom, using a visual cue helps memory solidify. Having the student draw a picture of what the idiom describes creates a concrete image that links the figurative meaning to something memorable. This dual coding—combining words with an image—makes it easier to recall the idiom later and to recognize it in context. For example, if the idiom is “spill the beans,” a simple drawing of someone spilling beans while sharing a secret helps connect the idea of revealing information to a vivid image. Relying on a dictionary definition treats the phrase literally, which can be confusing since idioms don’t mean what they say. Practicing with unrelated phrases won’t strengthen the specific idiom’s memory, and skipping it misses a chance to reinforce retention.