Language Lab Slides Mission Briefing
Language Lab
Cracking the code of abstract language
The Lab Report
Literal Language
Means exactly what it says. No hidden meaning!
Abstract Language
The "hidden" meaning. You have to use clues to figure out what someone really means.
Think of it like a secret code you need to decrypt!
Identifying the Types
Idioms
Groups of words that mean something totally different from their literal words.
"Piece of cake"
Similes & Metaphors
Comparing two things using "like/as" or stating one thing IS another.
Simile: "Busy as a bee"
Metaphor: "You are a star"
Dual Meaning
One word that has two or more different meanings based on the sentence.
"The bat flew into the cave."
Word Lab: "Bark"
Meaning A
The sound a dog makes when it is excited or guarding.
"The puppy started to bark at the squirrel."
Meaning B
The hard, protective outer covering of a tree trunk.
"Rough bark covered the old oak tree."
Case Study: Figurative Language
Embedded media
Pay attention to the comparison clues!
Your Lab Equipment
Sorting Lab
Categorize sample words into the correct canisters.
Case Files
Solve language mysteries in real-world scenarios.
Meaning Maps
Chart the literal and figurative paths of words.
Field Assignment
Head into the field. Use your Task Cards to solve language mysteries in the classroom laboratory!
Identify
Explain
Abstract Lab Sorting Worksheet Abstract Lab Sorting
Agent ID: __________________________________ Date: ___________
Mission Instructions:
Carefully cut out the language samples from the bottom of the page. Sort them into the correct laboratory canisters based on whether they are Idioms, Similes/Metaphors, or Multiple Meaning Words.
Idioms
Similes & Metaphors
Dual Meaning
Cut Along Line
A piece of cake
She is as busy as a bee
He let the cat out of the bag
"Watch"
Under the weather
The classroom was a zoo
Cool as a cucumber
"Park"
"Bowl"
Hit the books
Light as a feather
"Match"
Context Clue Task Cards Context Clue Task Cards
Laboratory Field Assignments
Mission Level
Classified
CASE #01
THE CAFETERIA
"Sarah was feeling under the weather this morning, so she decided to skip the lunch rush and rest in the nurse's office."
Literal Meaning:
What it actually means:
CASE #02
SOCCER PRACTICE
"The coach told the team that winning would be a walk in the park if they kept practicing their passing skills."
Literal Meaning:
What it actually means:
CASE #03
THE LIBRARY
"Marcus needed to hit the books if he wanted to get an A on his science project about the solar system."
Literal Meaning:
What it actually means:
CASE #04
THE ART ROOM
"The glue was as dry as a bone by the time the students came back to finish their collage."
Literal Comparison:
What it actually means:
CASE #05
OUTSIDE
"Look at that bark ! It is falling off the side of the silver birch tree because it's so old."
Meaning in this sentence:
Another meaning for this word:
CASE #06
TRAVELING
"We are going to train for the next three hours to get to the capital city for our field trip."
Meaning in this sentence:
Another meaning for this word:
Meaning Map Organizers Worksheet Meaning Map: Figurative
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________
Map 01
The Double-Vision Map
Select a Target Phrase:
"Busy as a bee"
"Under the weather"
"A star student"
PHRASE:
Literal Meaning
Draw or describe what the
Figurative Meaning
Describe what the phrase
Meaning Map: Multiple
Agent Laboratory Log
Map 02
The Branching Word Map
Laboratory Word Bank:
BAT TRAIN WATCH
WORD:
Definition A
Write or draw the
Definition B
Write or draw the
Lab Master Key Teacher Resource Lab Master Key
Teacher Facilitation Guide
1. Abstract Lab Sorting Key
Idioms
A piece of cake
Let the cat out of the bag
Under the weather
Hit the books
Similes/Metaphors
She is as busy as a bee
The classroom was a zoo
Cool as a cucumber
Light as a feather
Dual Meaning
"Watch"
"Park"
"Bowl"
"Match"
2. Task Card Answer Guide
Case Literal Concept Actual Meaning / Use Case #01 Standing physically beneath a rain cloud. Feeling sick, tired, or slightly unwell. #02 Physically walking through a park. Something that is very easy or simple to do. #03 Physically striking or hitting a textbook. To start studying hard or focusing on work. #04 Comparing something to a dry bone. Extremely dry; having no moisture left at all. #05 The protective outer layer of a tree. Alt meaning: The sound a dog makes. #06 A vehicle that travels on railroad tracks. Alt meaning: To practice or teach a skill.
Facilitation Tips
Scaffolding Strategies
For students struggling with idioms, encourage them to draw the literal meaning first. Visualizing the absurdity of "hitting" a book helps them realize the phrase must be code for something else. Use the provided Meaning Maps for this.
Extended Exploration
Have students find "Multiple Meaning Words" in their own reading books. Use the Meaning Map to document the two different ways the word can be used. This builds generalizable context clue skills.
