Puzzle · Listening
Saying match-up
A solo puzzle sheet: listen to six sayings, then match each one to its meaning from memory.
- 10 minutes
- On your own
- Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
- Classroom or at home
- Printable: matching sheet
What to do
- Open each of the six saying pages. Listen to the saying and read its meaning.
- Close the pages and turn the device away.
- On the sheet, draw a line from each saying to the meaning you think it has.
- An adult checks your lines using the answers on the instructions card.
- For any you got wrong, go back to that saying’s page and listen again.
- Pick one meaning and think of a time it fitted something that happened to you or someone you know.
Questions to talk about
- Which meanings were easiest to remember? Why?
- Which meaning surprised you most?
You will need
- The printed matching sheet
- A pencil
- A device to open each saying page
Make it fit
Simpler: Keep the saying pages open while you do the sheet.
More of a stretch: Cover the meanings on the sheet. Write each meaning in your own words first, then uncover them and match.
Sayings used
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The matching sheet
Saying match-up
Name
Draw a line from each saying to its meaning. Then check the answers.
- Is olc an ghaoth nach séideann do dhuine éigin
- Troidfidh cailleach i gcruachás
- Is minic a rinne bromach gioblach capall cumasach
- Is deacair ceann críonna a chur ar cholainn óg
- Is teann gach madra ag a dhoras féin
- Ar mhaithe leis féin a bhíonn an cat ag crónán
- The cat purrs for its own benefit.
- Even a worm will turn.
- You cannot put an old head on young shoulders.
- Every dog is bold at his own door.
- It is an ill wind that blows nobody good.
- Many a ragged colt made a fine horse.
Answers (for the adult)
1–E · 2–B · 3–F · 4–C · 5–D · 6–A
The instructions card
How to run it · Puzzle · Listening
Saying match-up
A solo puzzle sheet: listen to six sayings, then match each one to its meaning from memory.
10 minutesOn your ownAges 9–12, Ages 12+
What to do
- Open each of the six saying pages. Listen to the saying and read its meaning.
- Close the pages and turn the device away.
- On the sheet, draw a line from each saying to the meaning you think it has.
- An adult checks your lines using the answers on the instructions card.
- For any you got wrong, go back to that saying’s page and listen again.
- Pick one meaning and think of a time it fitted something that happened to you or someone you know.
You will need
- The printed matching sheet
- A pencil
- A device to open each saying page
Talk about
- Which meanings were easiest to remember? Why?
- Which meaning surprised you most?
Make it fit
Simpler: Keep the saying pages open while you do the sheet.
Stretch: Cover the meanings on the sheet. Write each meaning in your own words first, then uncover them and match.
Goes with the printable matching sheet. Answers: 1–E · 2–B · 3–F · 4–C · 5–D · 6–A.