What are proverbs?

Proverbs are wise sayings.

• They usually:

Are popular and memorable; e.g., All's well that ends well.

Proverbs are wise sayings.

• They usually:

Are short and to the point; e.g., Practice makes perfect.

Proverbs are wise sayings.

• They usually:

Provide wise advice; e.g., Slow but sure wins the race.

Proverbs are wise sayings.

• They usually:

Contain simple truths from experience over the years. e.g., Honesty is the best policy.

More about Proverbs

• They can give advice, or help to teach a lesson “Look before you leap.”

More about Proverbs

• They are short, well-known expressions that state a general truth or give advice.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Proverbs Continued

• They are one sentence in length, passed down from generation to generation, and are often passed on orally.

Today’s Activity

• After completing today’s activity, you will have learned that:

1. Figurative language such as proverbs are included in creative literature.

2. Proverbs can promote communication. 3. Proverbs communicate a cultural belief.

Group Work

I will break you up into small groups where you will do the following things:

1. Predict the meaning of your given proverb.2. Read your assigned short story.3. Revise meaning of proverb if necessary.4. Create a poster relating to proverb.

• Group 1 Proverb:“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

• Group 2 Proverb:“Bad news travels fast.”

• Group 3 Proverb:“Knowledge is power.”

• Group 4 Proverb:“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

Group 5 Proverb:“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Step One

Work in your groups and discuss what you think this proverb means.

Keep in mind: Have you heard this before?

If so, in what context was it used? Have you ever used it? How can you relate it to your life?

Does it offer advice? or Does it provide an idea?

Step two

• Read the corresponding short story that you have been assigned as a group. You may take turns reading passages, you may read it silently, or you may choose one person from your group to read it aloud to the rest of the members. You will have 15 minutes to complete the reading.

Step Three

• After completing the reading of the story you will discuss the story as a group. Decide how your interpretation of the assigned proverb changed upon completion of the reading. If you decide that it has changed, revise your

original meaning.

Step Three (continued)

• Once you and your group have decided on your prediction, check your meaning using the following website:

• Free English proverbs and sayings with their meaning

– Proverbs are listed alphabetically by the first letter in the sentence.

Step Four

• Create a poster that will demonstrates what your proverb means.

• Use pictures to convey the literal meaning of the proverb.

• Restate your figurative meaning in your own words on the poster

Step Four (continued)

• Example of Poster:“You can’t see the forest for the trees.”

Don’t get so caught up in the details that you can’t see the bigger picture.

Prepare to present your posters for our next class meeting.

Homework

• Visit the website mentioned and familiarize yourself with some of the proverbs. Bring a list of three that you found most interesting.

• http://www.learn-english-today.com/Proverbs/proverbs.html