Speech Work: The /ɪə/ Sound

Subject: Speech Work

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 3

Age: 12 years

Topic: Listening and Speaking

Sub-topic: The /ɪə/ Sound

Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify the /ɪə/ sound in words.
2. Pronounce words containing the /ɪə/ sound correctly.
3. Use words with the /ɪə/ sound in sentences.
4. Distinguish between the /ɪə/ sound and other vowel sounds.

Keywords

• /ɪə/ sound
• Vowel sound
• Pronunciation
• Articulation
• Listening

Set Induction

The teacher will play an audio clip featuring sentences with the /ɪə/ sound, encouraging students to listen carefully and identify the sound.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic understanding of vowel sounds from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Audio clips of the /ɪə/ sound
• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with words containing the /ɪə/ sound
• Phonetics charts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Connect to previous lessons on vowel sounds and their importance in clear speech. This will help students relate the new sound to what they already know.

Embedded Core Skills

• Listening skills
• Speaking skills
• Critical thinking
• Collaboration

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Phonetics books
• Audio equipment for listening exercises

Instructional Materials

• Flashcards
• Whiteboard
• Phonetic charts

Content

Definition and Explanation of the /ɪə/ Sound:

1. The /ɪə/ sound is a diphthong vowel sound that begins with the /ɪ/ sound and glides to the /ə/ sound.
2. It is commonly found in words such as “ear,” “clear,” “hear,” and “bear.”
3. The sound is made by opening the mouth slightly and moving the tongue from a high position to a more relaxed position.
4. Correct pronunciation of the /ɪə/ sound helps improve clarity in speech.

Examples of Words with the /ɪə/ Sound:

1. Ear
2. Clear
3. Hear
4. Bear
5. Fear

Evaluation: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. The /ɪə/ sound can be heard in the word __________ (a) cat (b) clear (c) dog (d) tree.
2. In the word “bear,” the /ɪə/ sound is represented by the letters __________ (a) ar (b) ea (c) er (d) ir.
3. To pronounce the /ɪə/ sound, you start with the sound __________ (a) e (b) i (c) a (d) o.
4. The word “fear” contains the __________ (a) /ɪə/ sound (b) /ɛ/ sound (c) /ʌ/ sound (d) /æ/ sound.
5. An example of a word with the /ɪə/ sound is __________ (a) floor (b) hair (c) clear (d) shop.
6. The /ɪə/ sound is a __________ (a) diphthong (b) consonant (c) blend (d) vowel.
7. In the word “hear,” the /ɪə/ sound is located at the __________ (a) end (b) beginning (c) middle (d) none of the above.
8. The word “tear” can mean to __________ (a) rip (b) cry (c) cut (d) all of the above.
9. The /ɪə/ sound is important for __________ (a) spelling (b) reading (c) clear speech (d) writing.
10. To practice the /ɪə/ sound, you can repeat the word __________ (a) tree (b) ear (c) book (d) run.
11. Which word does NOT contain the /ɪə/ sound? __________ (a) hear (b) clear (c) hair (d) car.
12. The letters that usually represent the /ɪə/ sound are __________ (a) ai (b) ea (c) ie (d) ou.
13. A word with the /ɪə/ sound at the beginning is __________ (a) clear (b) bear (c) care (d) share.
14. The sound /ɪə/ is pronounced __________ (a) quickly (b) slowly (c) with effort (d) softly.
15. The /ɪə/ sound is found in __________ (a) words (b) numbers (c) colors (d) shapes.

Class Activity Discussion: FAQs

1. What is the /ɪə/ sound?
   The /ɪə/ sound is a diphthong that combines /ɪ/ and /ə/ sounds.
2. Can you give examples of words with the /ɪə/ sound?
   Yes, examples include “ear,” “clear,” “hear,” and “bear.”
3. How do I pronounce the /ɪə/ sound?
   Start with the /ɪ/ sound and glide into the /ə/ sound.
4. Why is the /ɪə/ sound important?
   It helps improve clarity in speech and understanding.
5. Is the /ɪə/ sound the same as other vowel sounds?
   No, it is unique and requires specific tongue and mouth positioning.
6. How can I practice the /ɪə/ sound?
   Listen to audio clips and repeat the words and sentences.
7. What happens if I mispronounce the /ɪə/ sound?
   Mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings in communication.
8. Are there different accents that pronounce the /ɪə/ sound differently?
   Yes, accents can change the way sounds are pronounced.
9. Can the /ɪə/ sound appear in the middle of a word?
   Yes, it can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of words.
10. What other sounds should I practice with the /ɪə/ sound?
    Practice sounds that are similar, like /ɛə/ and /ʊə/.
11. Is the /ɪə/ sound found in other languages?
    Yes, but it may be pronounced differently.
12. What tools can help me practice the /ɪə/ sound?
    Use flashcards, audio clips, and phonetics charts.
13. How do I know if a word has the /ɪə/ sound?
    Listen for the specific glide from /ɪ/ to /ə/ when pronouncing.
14. Can I mix the /ɪə/ sound with other vowel sounds?
    Mixing can change the meaning, so practice each sound clearly.
15. Why do some words have silent letters when they contain the /ɪə/ sound?
    Silent letters can affect spelling but not the pronunciation of the /ɪə/ sound.

Presentation

1. The teacher revises the previous topic, which was: Revision of consonant sounds and their importance in speech.
2. The teacher introduces the new topic: The focus on the /ɪə/ sound and its role in clear speech.
3. The teacher allows pupils to contribute, correcting them where necessary to reinforce understanding.

Teacher’s Activities

• Facilitate listening exercises with audio clips.
• Demonstrate the pronunciation of the /ɪə/ sound.
• Use flashcards to show examples of words with the /ɪə/ sound.

Learners’ Activities

• Listen to audio clips.
• Practice pronouncing words with the /ɪə/ sound.
• Engage in group discussions and answer questions.

Assessment: Evaluation Questions

1. Define the /ɪə/ sound.
2. List five examples of words that contain the /ɪə/ sound.
3. Explain how to pronounce the /ɪə/ sound correctly.
4. What is the importance of the /ɪə/ sound in speech?
5. Give an example of a word with the /ɪə/ sound at the beginning.
6. Describe how the /ɪə/ sound differs from other vowel sounds.
7. Why is it essential to practice the /ɪə/ sound?
8. How can mispronouncing the /ɪə/ sound affect communication?
9. What are some common mistakes when pronouncing the /ɪə/ sound?
10. How can students improve their pronunciation of the /ɪə/ sound?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark and provide feedback on the topic, ensuring students understand the /ɪə/ sound.