SEPTEMBER IDIOMS: “Below the belt” on Day 249 of 365 Days of Literacy for Kids

Here on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids, your kids will be “dressed” with IDIOMS during the month of September.

IDIOMS are phrases that reveal “secrets” from the past. IDIOMS come from many sources, many languages, many authors, many cultures.  The “hidden” meanings in IDIOMS are great fun for kids, but also teach important, interesting and intriguing lessons in how language has developed and evolved over time.

Each SEPTEMBER IDIOM on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids will address something to do with clothing… such as teaching kids the meaning and origin of the very important BELOW THE BELT idiom.

– The idiom below the belt means hurtful, cruel or acting unfairly by not following rules of behavior.

– Origin of below the belt Idiom:  Below the belt is a term that comes from the sport of boxingBelow the belt is an imaginary line from the belly button to the top of the hips where a boxer is not supposed to hit. To hit below the belt is to not behave according to the rules of safety and decency.

Below the belt has come to mean any behavior, activity, words or actions that are unkind, unfair or unsportsman-like.

The idiom below the belt can be used in a positive way to teach kids why certain behaviors are cruel and even dangerous.  Bullying, for example, has gained great attention in our society and in our schools.  Teaching kids rules of society, behavior and sportsmanship is crucial to the safety of all.  The below the belt idiom is a quick verbal reinforcement to let kids know when their behavior in unacceptable.       

Dress your kids for back-to-school success with knowledge and attention to below the belt!

Take a few minutes each day in SEPTEMBER to teach the secrets of IDIOMS to your kids & grandkids.  Understanding IDIOMS is a wonderful way to enrich reading and language development.

And I’m not just talking through my hat!


About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

Sign Up To The Ultimate Style Newsletter for Moms

Categories

ShopStyle “List” Of all Things I Like and Blog About

Pinterest