Teaching students to understand proverbs and adages improves reading comprehension. These sayings have meanings beyond what can be understood in their individual words.
Definitions
Adages and proverbs are both forms of traditional sayings that offer wisdom or advice based on common sense or experience. While they are similar, there are subtle differences between the two.
An adage is a short, memorable saying that expresses a general truth or observation about life. Adages are often metaphorical and offer practical advice.
For example, the adage “A penny saved is a penny earned” suggests the importance of saving money.
On the other hand, a proverb is a specific type of adage that is particularly well-known and widely used in a culture or society. Proverbs are often metaphorical, rhythmic, and easy to remember. They typically offer advice or moral lessons.
For example, the proverb “Actions speak louder than words” emphasizes the importance of actions over mere words.
In summary, while both adages and proverbs are traditional sayings that offer wisdom or advice, proverbs are a more specific type of adage that is particularly well-known and widely used in a culture or society. Because these two terms are closely related, they are frequently used interchangeably.
Example List
- Two wrongs don’t make a right.
- Slow and steady wins the race.
- Early to bed and early to rise make a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
- People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
- There’s no place like home.
- Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
- If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
- Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
- Opposites attract.
Proverb and Adage Activities
Activity #1 Adages vs Proverbs Organizer
The two-door flip organizer is an engaging and educational project to help students differentiate between adages and proverbs. This hands-on activity encourages students to fold and cut a single sheet of paper to create interactive “doors” labeled for each saying.
Inside, students will write and illustrate an example of an adage, provide its definition, and repeat the process for a proverb. This project reinforces the distinctions between these two forms of traditional sayings and allows for creative expression through illustrations. Students gain a deeper understanding of language nuances by actively participating in this activity.
Activity #2 Proverbs by Theme Organizer
Creating a booklet with tabs is a fantastic project for helping students engage with and understand proverbs. This activity not only allows students to explore a variety of sayings related to themes like wisdom, honesty, foolishness, family, happiness, and desires, but it also provides a hands-on, creative way to reinforce their learning.
Writing and illustrating their proverbs encourages critical thinking and creativity. This project makes learning about proverbs interactive and enjoyable, fostering a deeper connection with the material and enhancing their ability to remember and use these wise sayings in real-life contexts.
This organizer is also provided in digital format through Google Slides. You will find the printable version in the handout along with a link to the digital version.
Activity #3 Video from Clarendon Learning
Activity #4: Proverb and Adage Matching Game
Create a game where students match the beginning of a proverb or adage with its ending.
Here are a few examples from the handout:
- The early bird ➔ gets the worm.
- A picture is worth ➔ a thousand words.
- Actions speak louder than ➔ words.
- Don’t judge a book by ➔ its cover.
- Better late than ➔ never.
- Birds of a feather ➔ flock together.
The provided handout includes cards with the proverb and adage halves. Print the handout, cut the cards apart, and voilà—the activity is ready for your students! They can match the halves to complete these timeless sayings.
Proverbs and adages are valuable tools for teaching practical wisdom and common sense. Integrating these sayings into your lessons can enhance students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
The activities and resources in this post will help you make learning about proverbs and adages engaging and meaningful for your upper elementary students. Happy teaching!
Check out the entire series on figurative language.
See the product that inspired this post.
If you are looking for more figurative language teaching ideas, check out my Figurative Language Unit on TPT.
