**Lesson Plan: Introduction to Diagraphs 'ou' and 'ow'**
**Grade Level:** Nursery 2 (Ages 3-4)
**Duration:** 30 minutes
**Objective:**
- Students will be able to recognize and pronounce the diagraphs ‘ou’ and ‘ow’.
- Students will be able to identify words that contain the diagraphs ‘ou’ and ‘ow’.
**Materials:**
- Flashcards with ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ words (e.g., house, mouse, cow, owl)
- Picture books or posters showing objects with ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds
- Chart paper and markers
- Craft materials (colored paper, glue, scissors)
- Audio recordings of sounds and words containing ‘ou’ and ‘ow’
**Introduction: (5 minutes)**
1. Start the lesson with a greeting song to engage students.
2. Tell students that they will learn about two special sounds, ‘ou’ and ‘ow’, that make a big “ow” sound when we say them together.
3. Display the diagraphs ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ on the board or a large chart paper.
**Direct Instruction: (10 minutes)**
1. Introduce the diagraphs by showing flashcards with the letters ‘ou’ and ‘ow’. Practice saying the sounds together with the students.
2. Explain that even though ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ have different letters, they make the same sound as in “ouch!” or “wow!”.
3. Show picture flashcards of objects and words containing ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds, such as “house,” “mouse,” “cow,” and “owl.”
4. For each flashcard, say the word slowly and emphasize the diagraph sound. Encourage students to repeat the word after you.
5. Play audio recordings of the words and have the children listen and repeat.
**Guided Practice: (8 minutes)**
1. Display a large picture book or poster with images and words that include ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds.
2. Ask students to point out the pictures and words with the ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds as you read and show each page.
3. Have a brief interactive matching activity where students match the flashcards of the diagraphs to corresponding pictures on a Velcro board or wall.
**Independent Practice: (5 minutes)**
1. Hand out craft materials and have students create their own ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ diagraph flashcards.
2. Students can draw a picture of an object containing the ‘ou’ or ‘ow’ sound and paste the corresponding word below it with the help of an adult if needed.
**Closure: (2 minutes)**
1. Recap the lesson by revisiting the charts and asking students to identify the ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds in a few words.
2. Sing a short, fun phonics song that includes the ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds to reinforce learning.
**Assessment:**
- Observe students during guided and independent practice to see if they can correctly identify and articulate the ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds.
- Review the flashcards and crafts made by students to ensure they correctly represent the diagraphs and associated sounds.
**Extension:**
- For early finishers or advanced learners, provide additional worksheets where they can trace and write ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ words.
- Encourage parents to practice ‘ou’ and ‘ow’ sounds at home with everyday objects and simple books.
**Notes:**
- Ensure to be patient and encouraging, making the lesson fun and interactive.
- Be mindful of the individual learning paces of the students and provide additional support as necessary.