Proverbs or folk sayings are found in all cultures. The interesting thing is that certain bits of folk wisdom appear similar across cultures, even cultures as different as American culture and Chinese. Have students discuss the meanings of these American expressions. This provides a great opportunity to engage parents or other older adults who may help students determine the meanings. 1. No use crying over spilled milk. 2. Casting pearls before swine. 3. Biting off more than you can chew. 4. The truth will out. 5. A drop in the bucket. 6. As ye sow, so shall ye reap. 7. The rotten apple that spoils the barrel. 8. To lock the barn door after the horse is stolen. 9. Like comparing apples and oranges. 10. Where there's smoke, there's fire. 11. Building castles in the air. 12. It takes two to tango. Now have students (individuals/teams) determine which American expression matches these Chinese expressions. 1. Like playing music to oxen. 2. To dig a well only after one is thirsty. 3. The horse that leads the herd astray. 4. One hair from nine oxen. 5. Like climbing a tree to catch a fish. 6. It is not possible to clap with one hand. 7. If one plants melons, one get melons. 8. There are no waves if there is no wind. 9. Paper cannot wrap up fire. 10. The head of the cow does not fit the body of the horse. 11. The wood has already been used up making the boat. 12. Riding a tiger and finding it hard to get off. The correct answers are: 1 11 2 1 3 12 4 9 5 4 6 7 7 3 8 2 9 10 10 8 11 5 12 6 These sayings provide students with a chance to create illustrations/posters/artwork to dramatize their answers. Finally, have students research other cultures to find similar proverbs or folk sayings that say the same things. Why do they suppose that different cultures at different times came up with similar or identical ideas.