Introduction:
Welcome to the world of English letters! Today, we’ll discover the building blocks of English words: the alphabet.
Part 1: Vowels and Consonants
- The English alphabet has 26 letters.
- 5 of them are vowels: a, e, i, o, u
- The rest are consonants: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z
- Vowels make singing sounds, like “ah” or “ee.”
- Consonants are often short and sharp, like “b” or “t.”
Activity:
- Let’s sing the alphabet song together!
- Can you point to the vowels on the alphabet chart?
- Can you point to the consonants on the alphabet chart?
Part 2: Letter Formation
- Each letter has two forms: uppercase (big) and lowercase (small).
- We use uppercase letters at the beginning of names and sentences.
- We use lowercase letters for most other words.
Activity:
- Look at the alphabet chart and practice writing each letter in both uppercase and lowercase.
- Trace the letters with your finger.
- Then, try writing them on your own!
Part 3: Letter Sounds
- Each letter makes a sound.
- Some letters make more than one sound.
- We can hear letter sounds at the beginning, middle, or end of words.
Activity:
- Let’s say the sound of each letter together.
- Can you think of a word that starts with each letter?
- Can you find a word that has the letter sound in the middle?
- Can you find a word that has the letter sound at the end?
Wrap-up:
- We’ve learned about vowels, consonants, and how to write and say the letters of the English alphabet.
- Knowing the alphabet is the first step to reading and writing English. Keep practicing!
Homework:
- Practice writing the alphabet in uppercase and lowercase.
- Draw pictures of things that start with each letter of the alphabet.
Additional Notes for Teachers:
- Use visual aids like alphabet charts, flashcards, and pictures to reinforce learning.
- Incorporate games and activities to make learning fun and engaging.
- Provide plenty of opportunities for students to practice writing and saying the letters.
- Differentiate instruction for students who may need additional support or challenges.
