Why it is important to focus on idioms as a school wide universal speech and language target

New term, new focus and we are offerinf plenty games to help our young people learn. This term in our dining room we have our ‘pull your socks up’ and other IDIOMS games where all our boys will crucial communication skills.

Idioms are a crucial part of social communication and overall language comprehension. They are commonly used in everyday conversations, literature, and media, and understanding them is important for effective everyday communication.

Many individuals with language disorders, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental language disorder (DLD), struggle with figurative language. They may interpret idioms literally, leading to confusion or miscommunication. For example, if someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” a person with difficulty understanding idioms might picture animals falling from the sky rather than realizing it means heavy rain. This can impact their ability to follow conversations, understand jokes, and engage in social interactions.

In academic settings, idioms frequently appear in textbooks, classroom discussions, and standardized tests. Without comprehension of idiomatic expressions, students may struggle with reading comprehension and written assignments, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

By working on idioms in school, we can support individuals develop their non-literal language skills, inferencing skills, and have a deeper understanding of language. This enhances their ability to engage in conversations, understand humor, and navigate both social and academic environments with confidence.