Vowel Sound /i/ Pronunciation Practice for JSS 1 Speech Work English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes

Subject: Speech Work
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Vowel Sound /i/
Duration: 40 Minutes


Behavioural Objectives:

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

  1. Pronounce the vowel sound /i/ correctly.
  2. Identify words containing the vowel sound /i/.
  3. Use the vowel sound /i/ in sentences.

Keywords:

  • Vowel Sound
  • Pronunciation
  • Phonetics
  • /i/ Sound
  • Short Vowel

Set Induction:

Begin by saying words with the vowel sound /i/ and ask students to repeat them. Discuss how different vowel sounds can change the way words are pronounced.


Entry Behaviour:

Students may already be familiar with vowel sounds but need focused practice on the /i/ sound.


Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Audio recordings of words with /i/ sound
  • Flashcards with words containing /i/
  • Handouts with exercises

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students may have experience with other vowel sounds and need to focus on the specific pronunciation of /i/.


Embedded Core Skills:

  • Pronunciation
  • Listening skills
  • Speaking skills

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Phonetics and Pronunciation guides

Instructional Materials:

  • Flashcards
  • Audio recordings
  • Handouts

Content:

I. Introduction to Vowel Sound /i/

  1. Definition:
    The vowel sound /i/ is a short, high-front vowel sound. It is pronounced with the tongue high in the mouth and the lips unrounded.
  2. Pronunciation Tips:
    • The tongue is positioned high and close to the roof of the mouth.
    • The lips are not rounded.
    • The sound is short and crisp.
  3. Examples of Words with /i/ Sound:
    • Sit
    • Bit
    • Pin
    • Ship
    • Hit
    • Lift
    • Wink
  4. Common Mistakes:
    • Confusing /i/ with /e/ (e.g., saying “pet” instead of “pit”).
    • Overemphasizing the sound, making it too long.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

  1. The vowel sound /i/ is found in the word __________.
    a) Bed
    b) Ship
    c) Dog
    d) Cake
  2. To pronounce the /i/ sound, the tongue should be positioned __________.
    a) Low and back
    b) High and front
    c) Middle
    d) Low and front
  3. The word __________ contains the vowel sound /i/.
    a) Chair
    b) Sink
    c) Boat
    d) Car
  4. An example of a word with the /i/ sound is __________.
    a) Leaf
    b) Sit
    c) Moon
    d) House
  5. The vowel sound /i/ is pronounced with __________ lips.
    a) Rounded
    b) Unrounded
    c) Pursed
    d) Wide
  6. The vowel sound /i/ is also found in the word __________.
    a) Ring
    b) Bite
    c) Coin
    d) Tree
  7. To avoid common mistakes, the /i/ sound should not be __________.
    a) Short
    b) Crisp
    c) Long
    d) Clear
  8. The word __________ does not contain the /i/ sound.
    a) Fish
    b) Ship
    c) Meet
    d) Cake
  9. In the word __________, the /i/ sound is present.
    a) Ship
    b) Heat
    c) Book
    d) Mail
  10. The vowel sound /i/ is found in __________.
    a) Wet
    b) Bit
    c) Boot
    d) Cup
  11. To produce the /i/ sound, the tongue should be __________ in the mouth.
    a) Low
    b) High
    c) Back
    d) Middle
  12. The word __________ contains the /i/ sound.
    a) Ship
    b) Spoon
    c) Ball
    d) Car
  13. An example of the vowel sound /i/ is in the word __________.
    a) Sun
    b) Thin
    c) Moon
    d) Box
  14. To correctly pronounce the /i/ sound, the lips should be __________.
    a) Rounded
    b) Spread
    c) Relaxed
    d) Closed
  15. The vowel sound /i/ is also in the word __________.
    a) Kite
    b) Thin
    c) Bone
    d) Bus

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. What is the /i/ vowel sound?
    It is a short, high-front vowel sound pronounced with the tongue close to the roof of the mouth.
  2. How do you pronounce the /i/ sound?
    Position your tongue high in the mouth and keep your lips unrounded.
  3. Can you give examples of words with the /i/ sound?
    Sit, bit, pin, ship.
  4. What is a common mistake when pronouncing the /i/ sound?
    Overemphasizing the sound and making it too long.
  5. How is the /i/ sound different from the /e/ sound?
    The /i/ sound is higher and more front in the mouth compared to the /e/ sound.
  6. Are there words where /i/ and /e/ sounds are confused?
    Yes, such as saying “pet” instead of “pit.”
  7. Why should lips be unrounded when pronouncing /i/?
    To correctly produce the high-front vowel sound.
  8. How can I practice the /i/ sound?
    Repeat words and sentences that contain the /i/ sound and listen to correct pronunciation.
  9. What should I focus on to pronounce the /i/ sound correctly?
    Positioning the tongue high and keeping the lips unrounded.
  10. Are there any special techniques to improve /i/ pronunciation?
    Practice with flashcards and listen to native speakers or recordings.
  11. Can the /i/ sound be found in different types of words?
    Yes, in nouns, verbs, and adjectives like “sit,” “lift,” and “thin.”
  12. What should I avoid when saying the /i/ sound?
    Avoid making the sound too long or too short.
  13. How can I identify the /i/ sound in a word?
    Look for short, crisp vowels where the tongue is high and forward.
  14. How does correct pronunciation of /i/ impact communication?
    It ensures clarity and correct understanding of words.
  15. Are there any common exercises for practicing the /i/ sound?
    Use tongue twisters and read aloud passages with many /i/ sounds.

Presentation:

Step 1: Introduce the /i/ vowel sound and demonstrate correct pronunciation.
Step 2: Provide examples and practice with students using flashcards and audio recordings.
Step 3: Have students practice pronouncing words and sentences containing the /i/ sound.


Teacher’s Activities:

  1. Explain and demonstrate the /i/ vowel sound.
  2. Use flashcards and recordings for practice.
  3. Monitor and correct students’ pronunciation.

Learners’ Activities:

  1. Repeat words and sentences containing the /i/ sound.
  2. Identify and practice the /i/ sound in various words.
  3. Participate in pronunciation exercises and quizzes.

Assessment:

  1. Observe and correct students’ pronunciation of the /i/ sound.
  2. Review answers to fill-in-the-blank questions.

10 Evaluation Questions:

  1. How is the /i/ sound produced?
  2. Give an example of a word with the /i/ sound.
  3. What should the position of the tongue be for the /i/ sound?
  4. Why is it important to keep the lips unrounded when pronouncing /i/?
  5. What is a common mistake with the /i/ sound?
  6. Name a word where the /i/ sound is present.
  7. How does the /i/ sound differ from the /e/ sound?
  8. What is the effect of making the /i/ sound too long?
  9. How can practicing with flashcards help with pronunciation?
  10. What should students focus on to improve their /i/ sound pronunciation?

Conclusion:

Go around to mark and provide feedback on students’ pronunciation of the /i/ sound. Offer additional practice or clarification as needed.