### Lesson Plan: Letter Sounds - Z, U, M, J
#### Class Level
Nursery 2 (Ages 3-4)
#### Duration
30 minutes
#### Objective
Students will be able to:
1. Recognize and identify the letters Z, U, M, and J.
2. Produce the corresponding sounds for each letter.
3. Identify words that start with each of these letters.
#### Materials Needed
- Alphabet flashcards (Z, U, M, J)
- Picture cards or objects representing words that start with Z, U, M, and J (e.g., Zebra, Umbrella, Monkey, Juice)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Alphabet song (optional)
- Craft materials: Glue, paper, crayons/markers, and scissors
### Procedure
#### Introduction (5 minutes)
1. **Greeting and Warm-Up**: Greet the students and gather them in a circle.
2. **Alphabet Song**: Sing the alphabet song together to warm up (optional).
3. **Objective Introduction**: Tell the students that today, they will learn about four special letters and their sounds: Z, U, M, and J.
#### Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
1. **Letter Flashcards**: Show the flashcard for each letter (Z, U, M, J) one at a time.
- **Z**: "This is the letter Z. Z says /z/."
- **U**: "This is the letter U. U says /u/."
- **M**: "This is the letter M. M says /m/."
- **J**: "This is the letter J. J says /j/."
2. **Sound Practice**: Have students repeat each sound after you.
3. **Picture/Object Identification**:
- Show a picture or object corresponding to each letter and ask the students to identify it.
- "This is a zebra. Zebra starts with Z. /z/ Zebra."
- "This is an umbrella. Umbrella starts with U. /u/ Umbrella."
- "This is a monkey. Monkey starts with M. /m/ Monkey."
- "This is juice. Juice starts with J. /j/ Juice."
4. **Engage**: Ask students to think of other words that start with each letter.
#### Guided Practice (10 minutes)
1. **Letter Sound Matching**: Lay out the picture cards/objects on the floor. Hold up a flashcard and ask the students to find the corresponding picture/object.
2. **Actions and Sounds**:
- For Z, pretend to be a buzzing bee (/z/).
- For U, pretend to open an umbrella (/u/).
- For M, pretend to munch (/m/).
- For J, pretend to jump (/j/).
- Have students mimic your actions and sounds.
#### Activity/Craft (5 minutes)
1. **Letter Collage**:
- Provide each student with a piece of paper and materials (glue, crayons/markers).
- Each student picks one letter (Z, U, M, or J) to create a collage.
- They can draw or paste pictures of things that start with that letter.
- Assist them as needed.
#### Conclusion (5 minutes)
1. **Recap**: Review the letters and their sounds once more.
- Hold up a flashcard and have students say the sound.
- Point to a picture/object and ask what letter it starts with.
2. **Praise and Encouragement**: Praise students for their efforts and participation.
3. **Preview Next Lesson**: Give a hint or mention what will be covered in the next lesson to keep students curious and excited.
#### Assessment
- Observe students' ability to match letters with corresponding sounds and pictures during activities.
- Listen to their pronunciation during practice and guided activities.
- Check their collages to see if they picked appropriate pictures/objects corresponding to their chosen letter.
#### Follow-Up
- Send a letter sound practice sheet home with students for additional practice.
- Encourage parents to reinforce letter sounds at home with everyday objects and activities.
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### Notes
- Adapt the plan based on class size and individual student needs.
- Incorporate movement and songs where possible to keep young learners engaged.
- Keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging to foster a love for learning and literacy.