Vowel Sound /e/ Pronunciation Practice for JSS 1 Speech Work English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Speech Work JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes

Subject: English Grammar
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Vowel Sound /e/
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Identify the vowel sound /e/.
2. Pronounce words correctly with the vowel sound /e/.
3. Differentiate between the /e/ sound and other similar vowel sounds.

Keywords:

• Vowel
• Phonetics
• Sound /e/

Set Induction:

The teacher will say a few words, including some with the /e/ sound (such as “bet,” “leg”) and ask students to listen carefully to how the sound is produced.

Entry Behaviour:

Students are familiar with the English alphabet and basic vowel sounds.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Flashcards with words containing the /e/ sound
• Audio recordings of words with different vowel sounds

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned about vowels and basic sounds in previous lessons.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Listening
• Pronunciation
• Phonetic awareness

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• JSS 1 English Grammar Textbook

Instructional Materials:

• Phonetic charts
• Word lists
• Audio tools for pronunciation practice

Content:

Vowel Sound /e/

The vowel sound /e/ is a short vowel sound that appears in many common English words. It is pronounced with the tongue positioned between the sounds /i/ (as in “bit”) and /æ/ (as in “bat”). The lips are relaxed, and the sound is short and quick.

Words Containing the Vowel Sound /e/:

1. Bet: The action of placing a wager.
2. Then: Used to indicate time or consequence.
3. Fed: The past tense of “feed.”
4. Leg: A limb of a person or animal used for walking.
5. Shell: The hard outer covering of some animals or objects.
6. Men: Plural of man, referring to adult males.
7. Pen: An instrument used for writing.
8. Pet: A domestic animal kept for companionship or pleasure.

Phonetic Practice:

• Repeat each word out loud, focusing on the vowel sound /e/.
• Pay attention to how the tongue and lips are positioned when making the sound.
• Compare the /e/ sound with other similar sounds like /i/ and /æ/ by practicing minimal pairs (e.g., “bet” vs. “bit”).

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. The vowel sound /e/ can be found in the word __________.
   a) Bit
   b) Bet
   c) Bat
   d) Bot
2. The word “leg” contains the vowel sound __________.
   a) /a/
   b) /e/
   c) /i/
   d) /o/
3. The sound in the word “pen” is __________.
   a) /e/
   b) /a/
   c) /o/
   d) /u/
4. Which word has the /e/ sound?
   a) Hat
   b) Pen
   c) Sit
   d) Mat
5. The word “fed” is the past tense of __________.
   a) Feed
   b) Eat
   c) Hit
   d) Lead
6. The word “men” is the plural form of __________.
   a) Man
   b) Boy
   c) Woman
   d) Friend
7. In the word “shell,” the vowel sound is __________.
   a) /e/
   b) /i/
   c) /o/
   d) /u/
8. The correct pronunciation of “bet” includes the vowel sound __________.
   a) /i/
   b) /e/
   c) /o/
   d) /u/
9. The word “pet” contains a __________ vowel sound.
   a) Long
   b) Short
   c) Silent
   d) None
10. The word “pen” is pronounced with the vowel sound __________.
    a) /e/
    b) /a/
    c) /i/
    d) /u/
11. The sound in “then” is __________.
    a) /e/
    b) /a/
    c) /o/
    d) /i/
12. “Bet” rhymes with __________.
    a) Set
    b) Sit
    c) Pot
    d) Hat
13. The word “fed” refers to __________.
    a) Feeding
    b) Walking
    c) Sitting
    d) Writing
14. The vowel sound in “leg” is __________.
    a) /a/
    b) /i/
    c) /e/
    d) /o/
15. The word “shell” refers to the __________ of an object.
    a) Outer covering
    b) Inner part
    c) Middle
    d) End

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the /e/ vowel sound?
   The /e/ sound is a short vowel sound found in words like “bet” and “leg.”
2. How is the /e/ sound different from /i/?
   The /e/ sound is lower in the mouth than /i/. “Bet” uses /e/, while “bit” uses /i/.
3. What are some examples of words with the /e/ sound?
   Examples include “bet,” “leg,” “pen,” and “fed.”
4. Is the /e/ sound short or long?
   The /e/ sound is a short vowel sound.
5. How is the /e/ sound pronounced?
   It is pronounced with the tongue slightly forward and the lips relaxed.
6. Can the /e/ sound be in the middle of a word?
   Yes, for example, in “shell” or “fed.”
7. How does the /e/ sound differ from /æ/?
   The /e/ sound is shorter and more closed than the /æ/ sound, as in “cat.”
8. What are minimal pairs for /e/ and /i/?
   Minimal pairs include “bet” and “bit,” “pen” and “pin.”
9. Why is it important to learn vowel sounds?
   Learning vowel sounds helps improve pronunciation and understanding in English.
10. What is a common mistake with the /e/ sound?
    A common mistake is confusing it with the /i/ sound, as in “bit” and “bet.”
11. How can students practice the /e/ sound?
    By repeating words with /e/ and listening to correct pronunciations.
12. What happens if the /e/ sound is mispronounced?
    It can lead to misunderstandings, as words may sound like different words.
13. Does the /e/ sound exist in every language?
    No, some languages may not have an equivalent sound, making it challenging for learners.
14. Can the /e/ sound be at the end of a word?
    It is rare for the /e/ sound to occur at the end of English words.
15. How can students improve their /e/ sound?
    Regular practice and listening to native speakers can help improve pronunciation.

Presentation:

Step 1: Introduce the sound /e/ and explain its articulation.
Step 2: Pronounce words containing /e/ like “bet,” “fed,” and “pen” and have students repeat them.
Step 3: Practice differentiating the /e/ sound from similar sounds such as /i/ and /æ/.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Demonstrate the pronunciation of words with the /e/ sound.
2. Guide students in identifying the /e/ sound in written words.
3. Conduct listening exercises using audio recordings.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Repeat after the teacher and practice the /e/ sound in different words.
2. Write down words with the /e/ sound.
3. Compare words with similar sounds to distinguish between them.

Assessment:

1. Give students a list of words and ask them to identify which ones contain the /e/ sound.
2. Pronounce words and have students indicate whether they contain the /e/ sound or a different vowel sound.

Ten Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the vowel sound in the word “bet”?
2. How is the /e/ sound pronounced?
3. Which word contains the /e/ sound: “sit” or “set”?
4. What is the plural form of “man” with the /e/ sound?
5. Give an example of a word with the /e/ sound.
6. How does the /e/ sound differ from the /i/ sound?
7. Is the /e/ sound long or short?
8. Which sound is in the word “pen”?
9. What word rhymes with “men”?
10. What is a common mistake when pronouncing the /e/ sound?

Conclusion:

The teacher moves around to mark students’ work, provides feedback, and answers further questions.