BOOK BUILDER

View my book:
http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=view&book=129261&page=1

This book was written by Nechama Lipschutz and illustrated using Google images.

It is important for students, especially English Language Learners to recognize the meaning of phrases that are spoken even when they are not interpreted literally. Such phrases can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with them and can cause them to misunderstand readings or spoken language. I chose to author my book on this specific topic in order to introduce students to the concept of idioms and to demonstrate a few common examples along with their figurative and literal meanings. Once students are opened to the idea that not everything always means exactly what the words say, they can begin to recognize more on their own.
ELA teachers can implement UDL Book Builder to share any literacy concepts in an engaging way. They can encourage students to read books about topics of interest by authoring it on their own or using shared books. Students can also be encouraged to write books and practice their written skills.

In a discussion with ELA instructor, some of the benefits of teaching this topic to students include:
Idioms are important for students' comprehension because it teaches them to inference and to be able to see beneath the surface of spoken and written word. Students develop critical thinking and are required to progress to a higher level thinking on the third level of Bloom's Taxonomy; analysis. Idioms and recognition of figurative language gives them a good angle for literature in which not everything is written literally but more roundabout and figurative. This can help students derive meaning from stories and understand on a deeper level. Idioms also encourage creativity.