Idiom of the Week: “Down to earth”

by Laurie Laurendeau on March 1, 2012

Idioms are short phrases or expressions that we use in the English language to express a thought in a more interesting manner.  Examples of idioms might include “in a pickle”, or “it’s raining cats and dogs”.  Children who struggle with reading comprehension often read quite literally what is on the page, and then the true meaning of the sentence can be lost.  Teaching your child a new idiom each week will help improve his/her ability to “read between the lines” in both oral speech and in written texts.  Have fun trying to use the idiom each week in everyday life!

IDIOM: “Down to earth”

DEFINITION: Someone who is realistic, not complicated

EXAMPLES:  1. I was surprised when I met the famous movie star, that he was really down to earth.

2. The NFL quarterback signing autographs was really down to earth with his fans.

ACTIVITY:  Get your child to draw a picture of the Earth, and then have long “ropes” going up into the sky with famous people attached on the ends, kind of like balloons that are tied to the Earth.

WANT MORE?

  • As always, playing math games at home is a great way to reinforce math skills learned in school.
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  • Need help or advice about your child’s learning?
  • Have ideas for future Parent Homework Help stories?

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