### Lesson Plan: Phonics - Digraphs 'ai' and 'ay'
#### Grade Level: Nursery 2
#### Subject: Phonics
#### Duration: 45 minutes
#### Topic: Digraphs 'ai' and 'ay'
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#### Objectives:
1. **Cognitive**: Students will identify and distinguish the sounds of the digraphs 'ai' and 'ay'.
2. **Affective**: Students will express curiosity and enjoyment in learning new sounds.
3. **Psychomotor**: Students will be able to write simple words containing the digraphs 'ai' and 'ay'.
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#### Materials:
- Flashcards with 'ai' and 'ay' words (e.g., train, rain, day, play)
- Chart with 'ai' and 'ay' words
- Picture cards representing 'ai' and 'ay' words
- Dry erase board and markers
- Worksheets with 'ai' and 'ay' words for coloring and tracing
- Audio clips of words containing 'ai' and 'ay'
- Craft materials for hands-on activities (e.g., paper, crayons, glue)
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#### Introduction (5 minutes):
1. **Greeting and Warm-up**: Engage students with a simple song that involves clapping hands.
2. **Introduction to Digraphs**: Explain that today we will learn about digraphs, specifically 'ai' and 'ay'. Introduce the terms in a fun and engaging way, showing how two letters come together to make one sound.
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#### Direct Instruction (15 minutes):
1. **Explain and Demonstrate**:
- Write the digraph 'ai' on the board. Say the sound /ai/ and have students repeat it.
- Show flashcards with 'ai' words (train, rain, pain, mail). Say each word aloud, emphasizing the /ai/ sound.
- Write the digraph 'ay' on the board. Say the sound /ay/ and have students repeat it.
- Show flashcards with 'ay' words (day, play, say, bay). Say each word aloud, emphasizing the /ay/ sound.
2. **Listening Activity**:
- Play audio clips of words containing 'ai' and 'ay'. Ask students to identify if they hear 'ai' or 'ay'.
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#### Guided Practice (10 minutes):
1. **Word Sorting**:
- Provide students with a mix of picture cards and words. Ask them to sort the cards into two groups: 'ai' words and 'ay' words.
2. **Writing**:
- Hand out worksheets where students can trace and color words that contain 'ai' and 'ay'. Encourage them to say the words aloud as they write.
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#### Independent Practice (10 minutes):
1. **Craft Activity**:
- Have students create 'ai' and 'ay' word craft. Provide cut-out letters and pictures. Students will paste 'ai' and 'ay' letters with corresponding pictures (e.g., 'ai' next to a picture of rain and 'ay' next to a picture of a day).
2. **Reading Practice**:
- Prepare a mini-book with simple sentences using 'ai' and 'ay' words. Students will read with a partner or teacher aide.
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#### Conclusion (5 minutes):
1. **Review**:
- Recap the digraphs learned: 'ai' and 'ay'. Ask a few students to share words they remembered.
2. **Closure Activity**:
- Sing a phonics song that includes 'ai' and 'ay' words to reinforce learning.
3. **Assessment**:
- Give students stickers or stamps as a positive reinforcement for participation and effort.
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#### Differentiation:
- **For Advanced Learners**: Provide a list of more complex 'ai' and 'ay' words for additional practice.
- **For Struggling Learners**: Offer one-on-one support and use simpler words to ensure understanding.
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#### Extra Notes:
- Ensure to keep the lesson interactive and engaging to maintain the interest of young learners.
- Incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to cater to different learning styles.
By the end of the lesson, students in Nursery 2 should have a clear understanding of the digraphs 'ai' and 'ay' and be able to recognize and use them in simple words.