Speech Work: The Consonant Sound /h/

Subject: Speech Work

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 10

Age: 12 years

Topic: Listening and Speaking

Sub-topic: The Consonant Sound /h/

Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Identify the /h/ sound in different words.
2. Pronounce words containing the /h/ sound correctly.
3. Use sentences that include words with the /h/ sound in context.
4. Differentiate the /h/ sound from other consonant sounds.

Keywords

• Consonant
• Articulation
• Voiceless sound
• Phonetics
• Breath sound

Set Induction

The teacher will start with a fun activity where students will whisper words starting with /h/ to their partners. This will engage students and introduce the topic.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have prior knowledge of consonant sounds and their importance in pronunciation.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards with words starting with /h/
• Audio recordings of words containing the /h/ sound
• Whiteboard and markers
• Phonetic charts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review previously learned consonants and discuss how they are produced and how they differ from vowels.

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 /h/ Sound:

1. The /h/ sound is a voiceless glottal fricative. It is produced by exhaling air through the open vocal cords without vibrating them.
2. The sound is made without using the tongue, lips, or teeth; it’s simply the breathy sound produced at the back of the throat.

Examples of Words with the /h/ Sound:

1. hat
2. house
3. happy
4. hand
5. help

Evaluation: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. The /h/ sound is heard in the word __________ (a) cat (b) hat (c) bat (d) mat.
2. A word that begins with /h/ is __________ (a) red (b) house (c) tree (d) car.
3. The /h/ sound is a __________ (a) voiced sound (b) voiceless sound (c) nasal sound (d) vowel sound.
4. Which word contains the /h/ sound? __________ (a) go (b) help (c) sun (d) run.
5. The sound /h/ is produced by __________ (a) closing the lips (b) exhaling air (c) vibrating the vocal cords (d) touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth.
6. Identify the correct pronunciation of the /h/ sound in the word __________ (a) hat (b) cat (c) bat (d) fat.
7. A word that starts with the /h/ sound is __________ (a) apple (b) house (c) orange (d) elephant.
8. The word “happy” starts with the __________ sound (a) /h/ (b) /k/ (c) /p/ (d) /m/.
9. The /h/ sound is found in __________ (a) bat (b) hat (c) sit (d) dog.
10. Which of the following words contains the /h/ sound? __________ (a) sing (b) help (c) bed (d) fun.
11. The /h/ sound can be heard in __________ (a) cat (b) hand (c) dog (d) pig.
12. In the word “house,” the __________ sound is present (a) /r/ (b) /t/ (c) /h/ (d) /k/.
13. Identify the voiced consonant sound in the word “hand” __________ (a) /d/ (b) /g/ (c) /h/ (d) /b/.
14. A word that begins with the /h/ sound is __________ (a) table (b) hat (c) chair (d) bed.
15. The sound /h/ is represented by the letter __________ (a) p (b) k (c) h (d) t.

Class Activity Discussion: FAQs

1. What is the /h/ sound?
   The /h/ sound is a voiceless sound produced by exhaling air through the vocal cords.
2. How do you produce the /h/ sound?
   Simply breathe out without using your vocal cords; it should feel like a gentle breath.
3. Can you give examples of words that start with /h/?
   Yes, examples include “hat,” “house,” “hand,” and “help.”
4. What makes /h/ different from other consonant sounds?
   The /h/ sound is unique because it is produced without vibrating the vocal cords.
5. How can I practice the /h/ sound?
   You can practice by repeating words that start with /h/ and listening to recordings of those words.
6. Why is it important to learn the /h/ sound?
   Knowing how to pronounce the /h/ sound correctly helps improve your overall speech clarity.
7. Are there any common mistakes with the /h/ sound?
   Yes, some students may omit the /h/ sound in words like “hat,” saying “at” instead.
8. Can I use tongue twisters to practice /h/?
   Yes, tongue twisters with /h/ can help improve pronunciation and fluency.
9. What tools can help me practice the /h/ sound?
   Use flashcards, phonetic charts, and online pronunciation resources.
10. How can I tell if I’m pronouncing the /h/ sound correctly?
    Record your voice and compare it to audio examples, or ask a teacher for feedback.
11. Is the /h/ sound present in many languages?
    Yes, many languages have a similar sound, but its articulation may vary.
12. How does the /h/ sound affect word meaning?
    Omitting or mispronouncing the /h/ sound can change the meaning of words.
13. Are there exercises to practice the /h/ sound?
    Yes, practice with listening and speaking exercises that emphasize the /h/ sound.
14. What is a common example of a word that might confuse students?
    “Hear” and “here” can confuse students if the /h/ sound is not pronounced correctly.
15. How can I improve my overall pronunciation?
    Consistent practice and listening to native speakers will enhance your pronunciation skills.

Presentation

1. The teacher revises the previous topic, which was: The importance of different consonant sounds in speech.
2. The teacher introduces the new topic: The /h/ sound and its significance in clear pronunciation.
3. The teacher allows pupils to contribute, correcting them where necessary to enhance understanding.

Teacher’s Activities

• Facilitate listening exercises with audio clips featuring the /h/ sound.
• Demonstrate correct pronunciation and provide visual aids for articulation.
• Engage students in activities with flashcards and minimal pairs.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in listening exercises and identify the /h/ sound.
• Practice pronouncing words that contain the /h/ sound.
• Work in pairs to create sentences using words that contain the /h/ sound.

Assessment: Evaluation Questions

1. Define the /h/ sound.
2. List examples of words containing the /h/ sound.
3. Explain how to produce the /h/ sound correctly.
4. Describe the difference between the /h/ sound and other consonants.
5. Provide examples of words starting with the /h/ sound.
6. How does the /h/ sound contribute to clear communication?
7. Give a sentence using a word with the /h/ sound correctly.
8. What strategies can help with the pronunciation of the /h/ sound?
9. Explain the significance of the /h/ sound in English.
10. What resources can aid in practicing the /h/ sound?

Conclusion

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