New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How do teachers typically approach introducing idioms to students, especially ELLs?

1. By providing practical demonstrations

2. By explaining their meanings explicitly and using context

3. By encouraging students to ignore unfamiliar terms

4. By avoiding the use of idioms altogether

The correct answer is: By explaining their meanings explicitly and using context

Teachers often introduce idioms to students, particularly English Language Learners (ELLs), by explaining their meanings explicitly and using context. This method is effective because idioms can be challenging for students who may not be familiar with the cultural or linguistic nuances associated with these phrases. By explicitly defining the idiom and providing contextual examples, teachers help students understand not only what the idiom means but also how it is used in everyday language. This approach allows students to grasp the figurative meanings behind idioms, making it easier for them to incorporate them into their own language use. Additionally, providing context helps students make connections between the idiom and its use in social interaction, literature, or conversation. This contextualization is essential for ELLs, as it bridges their previous knowledge and experiences to the new language concepts they are learning, facilitating deeper comprehension and retention. By combining explicit explanations with contextual examples, teachers create a supportive learning environment that encourages engagement with the language.