Teaching students to understand proverbs and adages improves reading comprehension. These sayings have meanings beyond what can be understood in their individual words.
A proverb is a simple statement of practical wisdom popularly known and repeated. These common sense statements express some truth often giving advice to the listener. Adages are a well-known proverbs that have been used for a long time. Because these two terms are so closely related, the terms are often used interchangeably.
A Short List of Proverbs and Adages
Common Core State Standards
Notice the Common Core State Standards do not ask students to sort sayings by their type, but to instead explain their meanings. Adages and proverbs are so closely related that sorting them is nearly impossible. One expert might list a saying a a proverb, while another might categorize the same saying is an adage. Because of this, focus students on understanding meanings instead.
Brainstorming – After providing a few examples of proverbs and adages, ask students to name some they have heard. Write these on the board for all to see. Divide students and the proverb/adage sayings into groups. Have students come up with definitions of the sayings on their list.
Drawing – Most proverbs and adages can be drawn.
Organizer – This organizer provides space for students to write, illustrate, and define 20 proverbs and adages. Two versions are offered: a printable and Google Drive online form. Both are editable to meet the needs of your students. You can download the file here.