### Lesson Plan: English Comprehension - Speech Work: Consonant Contrasts /s/ and /z/, /ð/ and /θ/
#### Grade Level: Junior Secondary 2 (JS2)
#### Duration: 60 Minutes
#### Subject: English Language
#### Topic: Speech Work: Consonant Contrasts /s/ and /z/, /ð/ and /θ/
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### Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Differentiate between the consonant sounds /s/ and /z/, /ð/ and /θ/.
2. Accurately produce and identify these sounds in words.
3. Use the identified sounds correctly in sentences.
4. Improve overall pronunciation and listening skills.
### Materials Needed:
- Audio recordings of words with the target sounds.
- Flashcards with words.
- Whiteboard and markers.
- Handouts with exercises.
- Internet-enabled device for playing audio (optional).
### Lesson Procedure:
#### Introduction (10 Minutes)
1. **Greetings and Warm-up:**
- Greet the students and ask about their day.
- Quick warm-up activity: Say a tongue twister involving both /s/ and /z/, like "Sister Suzy sewing shirts for soldiers."
2. **Objective Sharing:**
- Clearly state the objectives of the lesson.
- Briefly explain the importance of correctly producing and recognizing the consonant sounds /s/ and /z/, /ð/ and /θ/.
#### Presentation (20 Minutes)
1. **Explanation and Demonstration:**
- Write the target sounds on the board /s/, /z/, /ð/, /θ/ and explain that they are called fricative consonants because they are produced by constricting airflow through the vocal tract.
- Demonstrate how to produce each sound.
- For /s/: Place the tongue close to the roof of the mouth, near the teeth, and force air out.
- For /z/: Same mouth position as /s/, but use the vocal cords to create a buzzing sound.
- For /θ/: Place the tongue between the teeth and blow air out (voiceless 'th' as in "think").
- For /ð/: Same tongue position as /θ/, but use the vocal cords (voiced 'th' as in "this").
2. **Listening Exercise:**
- Play audio recordings of words containing these sounds.
- Examples:
- /s/ as in "sip"
- /z/ as in "zip"
- /θ/ as in "think"
- /ð/ as in "this"
- Ask students to repeat the words after you to practice pronunciation.
#### Practice (20 Minutes)
1. **Paired Activities:**
- Distribute flashcards with words containing the sounds /s/, /z/, /ð/, and /θ/.
- Students work in pairs to practice saying the words on their flashcards. One student reads while the other listens and provides feedback on the correct production of the sounds.
2. **Group Exercise:**
- Write sentences on the board that include target sounds, for example:
- “This is a zoo.”
- “The sun is shining.”
- Have students come to the board to underline the words containing the target sounds and read the sentences aloud.
#### Evaluation (10 Minutes)
1. **Quiz:**
- Hand out a worksheet containing a mix of words with the target sounds.
- Students will circle the correct sound (/s/, /z/, /ð/, /θ/) found in each word or sentence.
2. **Recap and Feedback:**
- Quickly review the objectives to assess if they are met.
- Discuss any common issues noticed during the exercises.
#### Conclusion (5 Minutes)
1. **Summarize the Lesson:**
- Recap the main points of the lesson: proper pronunciation of /s/, /z/, /ð/, /θ/ and their importance in communication.
2. **Homework Assignment:**
- Ask students to find and write down 5 words containing each of the sounds /s/, /z/, /ð/, and /θ/ from books, magazines, or online sources.
- Encourage them to practice pronouncing these words at home.
3. **Closing:**
- Thank the students for their participation.
- Encourage them to keep practicing their pronunciation.
### Notes for the Teacher:
- Be patient and provide plenty of positive reinforcement.
- Keep the atmosphere relaxed to reduce any anxiety about making mistakes.
- Adjust the pace based on the students' comfort levels and understanding.
- Use visual aids and gestures to help illustrate the tongue and mouth positions for producing sounds if necessary.
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This lesson plan aims to engage students through varied activities that target multiple learning preferences, thus ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application of the consonant sounds.