Uncover the meaning and historical origins of the popular idiom “the bee’s knees” with this video from Say What?! Travel back in time and discover how people used whimsical expressions like "the bee's knees" to describe excellence during The Roaring Twenties. With this video, students will gain insight into the intriguing world of idiomatic expressions, language evolution, and the stories behind the sayings we use every day!

This resource includes teaching tips, discussion questions, vocabulary, and a "Bee's Knees Hive" activity.

Uncover the meaning and historical origins of the popular idiom “crocodile tears” with this video from Say What?! Explore the connection between crocodiles and fake crying, as well as how the idiom has been used throughout history, including in the works of the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare.

This resource includes teaching tips, discussion questions, handouts, vocabulary list, and a "Cry or Lie" activity.

 Figurative language uses words or expressions that go beyond the literal meaning of words to get the message across. Although direct language is easier to understand, in some instances we respond better to more creative wording. For example, writers like to use figurative language to build imagery and give words more power. Idioms and analogies are considered some of the highest levels of language processing and some students with language impairments struggle with understanding the meaning of these figurative language. 

Explore the meaning of the idiom “let the cat out of the bag” through present day conversation examples alongside a look into the past, in this video from Say What?! With visuals and a story that takes students to “Ye Olde Marketplace,” students discover this idiom's possible origin. Huzzah!

This resource includes teaching tips, discussion questions, vocabulary, and a critical thinking activity where students practice comparing and contrasting and using descriptive language.

Learn about the idiom “straight from the horse’s mouth” and how it means getting the most accurate information from someone who knows it best, or firsthand, in this video from Say What?! Students will explore its origin and importance through animated stories about the past and its use today.

This resource includes teaching tips, discussion questions, and a critical thinking activity where students must identify which source of information would be considered the most accurate or “straight from the horse’s mouth.”