Language Arts -> Reading Comprehension -> Beginning Reading -> Basics of the Alphabet

Alphabet Band: Accents

by Lindsey Williams
Deerfield Elementary
For Grades
K
Through
1

This activity introduces students to letters and sounds for several members of the alphabet (r, w, q, y and j). Both upper and lower case letters are used.


Find out what students know...
Anticipatory Set, assess what students know and introduce the topic (more)

Say a word, and ask students what the beginning letter is. Ask about words that begin with r, w, q, y, and j. (Examples: red, white, quail, yellow, jell-o)

Explain what students will learn...
The Objective, a clear statement of purpose and learning outcomes. (more)

Tell students that today they will learn about accent letters. They are called accents because each letter makes a strong sound, or accent. We will practice writing the letters, making the sounds, and recognizing words that begin with these letters.

Core concepts to be taught...
The lesson input / Main objectives(more)

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Check for understanding...
Questioning, getting feedback during the instructional process (more)
Allow student volunteers to draw each letter on the board. Make sure to reinforce the sound each letter makes, and some sample words for each sound.

Media, examples, illustrations...
Modeling, items used during the lesson to add emphasis. Handouts, quizzes, graphics. (more)

Guided practice...
Opportunities to involve the students, group work, cooperative learning activities (more)

Display a long number line at the front of the room either on paper or a chalkboard. Have sections marked off at even increments. Use a picture of of a racer (bike, car, etc.) at the starting line. Read several words that begin with r, w, q, y and j. If the students can correctly identify the first sound of the word, the racer moves forward. If the word is not correctly identified, the racer does not move. You may also give 'bonus' distance on the number line if the students can answer within a set period of time (say three seconds or so). Continue playing until the biker reaches the finish line.


Summary & closure...
Summary and analysis of what was learned / done (more)

Read to students the following words. Allow student volunteers to tell you the beginning letter of each word.
1. jump
2. yes
3. queen
4. walk
5. run


Suggested Homework & independent practice...
Suggested work outside the classroom that could include homework ideas and other activities to reinforce the core concepts. Teachers can still create custom homework assignments outside of these suggestions. (more)

Allow students to complete Which Item Does Not Belong? handout (included).