Mastering Pure Vowel Sounds for Clear Communication Speech Work JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Speech Work: Listening and Speaking – Revision of Pure Vowel Sound

Subject: Speech Work

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 1

Age: 12 years

Topic: Revision of Pure Vowel Sound

Sub-topic: Understanding Pure Vowel Sounds

Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Define pure vowel sounds.
  2. Identify pure vowel sounds in words.
  3. Pronounce pure vowel sounds correctly.
  4. Use pure vowel sounds in sentences.

Keywords

  • Pure vowel sound
  • Pronunciation
  • Phonetics
  • Articulation
  • Sound

Set Induction

The teacher will play a short audio clip of various vowel sounds and ask students to listen closely. This will engage their interest in the lesson.

Entry Behaviour

Students should be familiar with basic phonetics and the concept of vowel sounds from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

  • Audio clips of pure vowel sounds
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Flashcards with words and vowel sounds
  • Phonetics charts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss previous lessons on consonant sounds and how they differ from vowel sounds. This connects to their knowledge of phonetics.

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 Pure Vowel Sounds:

  1. Pure vowel sounds are sounds made without any obstruction in the vocal tract.
  2. They are produced by changing the shape of the mouth.
  3. Pure vowels can be long or short.
  4. Each vowel sound has a specific position of the tongue and lips.
  5. Examples include: /i:/ as in “see,” /e/ as in “bed,” /æ/ as in “cat,” /ɒ/ as in “hot,” and /u:/ as in “blue.”

Examples of Pure Vowel Sounds:

  1. /i:/ as in “meet”
  2. /e/ as in “pen”
  3. /æ/ as in “man”
  4. /ɒ/ as in “dog”
  5. /u:/ as in “food”

Evaluation: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  1. The sound /i:/ can be found in the word __________ (a) meet (b) mat (c) mop (d) moon.
  2. The pure vowel sound in “bed” is __________ (a) /i:/ (b) /e/ (c) /æ/ (d) /ɒ/.
  3. An example of the sound /u:/ is __________ (a) blue (b) bed (c) cat (d) hot.
  4. Pure vowel sounds are made without __________ (a) obstruction (b) help (c) sound (d) pitch.
  5. The vowel sound /æ/ is in the word __________ (a) dog (b) man (c) see (d) moon.
  6. The sound /ɒ/ is found in __________ (a) hot (b) bed (c) meet (d) pen.
  7. Vowel sounds can be __________ (a) short or long (b) tall (c) heavy (d) light.
  8. The sound /e/ appears in __________ (a) see (b) pen (c) dog (d) man.
  9. Pure vowel sounds are important for __________ (a) clarity in speech (b) games (c) writing (d) reading.
  10. The sound in “cat” is __________ (a) /e/ (b) /æ/ (c) /u:/ (d) /i:/.
  11. The vowel sound /i:/ is __________ (a) short (b) long (c) medium (d) none of the above.
  12. In phonetics, vowels are __________ (a) always silent (b) obstructed (c) essential (d) optional.
  13. An example of a short vowel sound is __________ (a) /i:/ (b) /e/ (c) /u:/ (d) /ɒ/.
  14. The vowel sound in “food” is __________ (a) /æ/ (b) /u:/ (c) /e/ (d) /ɒ/.
  15. The sound /æ/ is found in __________ (a) see (b) dog (c) man (d) blue.

Class Activity Discussion: FAQs

  1. What are pure vowel sounds?
    Pure vowel sounds are sounds made without blockage in the mouth.
  2. Can you give examples of pure vowel sounds?
    Yes, examples include /i:/, /e/, /æ/, /ɒ/, and /u:/.
  3. Why are pure vowel sounds important?
    They help in clear pronunciation and understanding of words.
  4. How do I pronounce /i:/?
    Keep your lips spread and your tongue high in the mouth.
  5. What is the difference between long and short vowel sounds?
    Long vowels take more time to say, while short vowels are quicker.
  6. Can vowel sounds change meaning?
    Yes, different vowel sounds can change the meaning of a word.
  7. How can I practice pure vowel sounds?
    You can listen to audio clips and repeat the sounds.
  8. What are some words with the sound /e/?
    Words like “bed,” “pen,” and “ten” contain the sound /e/.
  9. Do all languages have pure vowel sounds?
    Most languages do, but the number of sounds can vary.
  10. How can I tell if a sound is a pure vowel?
    If you can say it without obstruction, it’s a pure vowel sound.
  11. Is it okay to mix vowel sounds?
    Mixing sounds can lead to confusion in pronunciation.
  12. What helps in pronouncing vowel sounds correctly?
    Listening and practicing regularly can help improve pronunciation.
  13. Can I use my body to help pronounce sounds?
    Yes, positioning your mouth and tongue correctly is important.
  14. What if I can’t hear the difference between sounds?
    Practice with a partner or teacher can help improve your hearing.
  15. Should I worry about my pronunciation?
    Yes, good pronunciation helps others understand you better.

Presentation

  1. The teacher revises the previous topic, which was: The introduction to phonetics and the role of consonants in speech.
  2. The teacher introduces the new topic: The focus on pure vowel sounds and their importance in speech clarity.
  3. The teacher allows pupils to contribute, correcting them where necessary to reinforce understanding.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Facilitate discussions and clarify doubts.
  • Play audio clips and guide pronunciation exercises.
  • Use flashcards to demonstrate vowel sounds.

Learners’ Activities

  • Listen to audio clips.
  • Practice pronouncing pure vowel sounds.
  • Engage in group discussions and answer questions.

Evaluation Questions

  1. Define pure vowel sounds.
  2. List five examples of pure vowel sounds.
  3. Explain the difference between long and short vowel sounds.
  4. Why are pure vowel sounds important in communication?
  5. How do you pronounce the vowel sound /u:/?
  6. Give an example of a word with the vowel sound /e/.
  7. Describe how to position your mouth for the sound /i:/.
  8. Why is it important to practice vowel sounds?
  9. Can pure vowel sounds be mixed? Why or why not?
  10. How can you improve your pronunciation of vowel sounds?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark and provide feedback on the topic, ensuring students understand pure vowel sounds.