Mastering Articles for Primary 4 Grammar Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 10

Week 10: Identifying and Using Articles (a, an, the)

Subject: English Grammar
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 9 years

Topic: Identifying and Using Articles (a, an, the)
Sub-topic: Understanding and applying the definite and indefinite articles in sentences.
Duration: 1 week

Behavioural Objectives:

• Pupils will identify the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” in sentences.
• Pupils will use articles correctly in writing and speaking.
• Pupils will distinguish between definite and indefinite articles.

Key Words:

• Article
• A
• An
• The
• Definite article
• Indefinite article

Set Induction:

Begin by explaining that articles are used to describe nouns and provide more information about them. Use examples from everyday life to illustrate how articles are used.

Entry Behaviour:

Pupils should be familiar with nouns and basic sentence structure from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Grammar textbooks
• Worksheets on articles
• Flashcards with examples
• Whiteboard and markers

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Connect the use of articles to the pupils’ existing knowledge of nouns. Explain how articles help specify or generalize nouns.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Grammar usage
• Sentence construction
• Understanding of specificity and generalization

Learning Materials:

• Worksheets with exercises on articles
• Flashcards with examples of sentences using articles
• Examples from textbooks

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Primary 4 English Language textbooks

Instructional Materials:

• Grammar textbooks
• Worksheets
• Flashcards

Content:

1. Introduction to Articles:
   • Definition: Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.
   • Types:
     • Indefinite Articles: “a,” “an” (used for non-specific items)
     • Definite Article: “the” (used for specific items)
2. Usage of Articles:
   • “A” is used before words that begin with a consonant sound (e.g., “a cat,” “a dog”).
   • “An” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., “an apple,” “an umbrella”).
   • “The” is used before specific nouns that are already known to the reader or listener (e.g., “the book on the table”).
3. Examples:
   • Indefinite Articles: She adopted a puppy. I saw an owl.
   • Definite Article: The cat is on the roof. I like the red shirt.

Evaluation:

• Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:
  1. I need ___ apple. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  2. ___ dog barked loudly. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  3. She bought ___ new book. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  4. ___ moon is shining brightly. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  5. Can you see ___ stars in the sky? (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  6. We need ___ umbrella for the rain. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  7. ___ teacher is very kind. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  8. I saw ___ elephant at the zoo. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  9. ___ sun rises in the east. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  10. ___ children are playing outside. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  11. She has ___ orange in her bag. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  12. ___ car is parked in the driveway. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  13. He found ___ coin on the ground. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  14. ___ book on the table is mine. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the
  15. ___ apple pie is delicious. (a) a, (b) an, (c) the

   

• Purpose of Using Articles:
  • Articles help specify whether we are referring to something specific or something more general. They provide clarity about the noun in a sentence.
• When to Use “a” and “an”:
  • “A”: Used before words that begin with a consonant sound (e.g., “a cat,” “a dog”).
  • “An”: Used before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., “an apple,” “an hour”).
• Deciding When to Use “the”:
  • “The”: Used when referring to a specific noun that is known to both the speaker and listener or has been mentioned before (e.g., “the car we bought,” “the sun”).
• Examples of Sentences Using Articles:
  • “A”: “I saw a bird in the park.”
  • “An”: “She ate an orange for breakfast.”
  • “The”: “The book on the table is mine.”
• Difference Between Definite and Indefinite Articles:
  • Definite Article (“the”): Refers to a specific noun that is already known or has been mentioned (e.g., “the teacher”).
  • Indefinite Articles (“a” and “an”): Refer to any single item that is not specifically identified (e.g., “a book,” “an apple”).

Class Activity Discussion:

• 1. When do you use “a” and “an”?
     • Use “a” before consonant sounds and “an” before vowel sounds.
  2. When should “the” be used?
     • Use “the” to refer to specific nouns that are known to both the speaker and listener.
  3. Can you give examples of when to use “a” and “an”?
     • “A cat” (consonant sound), “an egg” (vowel sound).
  4. How do articles affect the meaning of a sentence?
     • Articles help clarify whether a noun is specific or general.
  5. Are articles always necessary in a sentence?
     • Yes, articles help make sentences clear and precise.

Presentation:

• Step 1: Revise the previous topic on using the future tense.
• Step 2: Introduce articles, explaining the difference between “a,” “an,” and “the.”
• Step 3: Allow pupils to practice using articles in sentences and provide feedback.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the use of articles.
• Provide examples and practice exercises.
• Assist pupils in forming sentences and answering questions.

Learners’ Activities:

• Complete exercises on using articles.
• Create sentences using the correct articles.
• Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Assessment:

• Review pupils’ answers to the exercises and provide feedback.
• Assess their ability to use articles correctly in sentences.

Evaluation Questions:

• What is the purpose of using articles in a sentence?
• When do you use “a” and “an”?
• How do you decide when to use “the”?
• Can you give examples of sentences using articles?
• What is the difference between definite and indefinite articles?

Conclusion:

• The teacher will go around to mark and review the pupils’ work on articles and provide necessary corrections.