Mastering Consonant Sounds: /d/, /θ/, and /z/ Speech Work English Grammar JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
LESSON PLAN
Subject: English Language (Speech Work)
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 13-15 years
Topic: Consonant Sounds /d/, /θ/, /z/
Sub-topic: Pronunciation and Use of /d/, /θ/, and /z/ in Words
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the consonant sounds /d/, /θ/, and /z/.
- Pronounce words with /d/, /θ/, and /z/ correctly.
- Differentiate between the sounds in speech and writing.
- Apply these sounds accurately in sentences.
Keywords
- Consonant
- Pronunciation
- /d/, /θ/, /z/
- Voiced and Voiceless
Set Induction
The teacher will play a short audio clip containing words with /d/, /θ/, and /z/ sounds. Students will try to identify the words they hear.
Entry Behaviour
Students are familiar with basic English sounds from previous lessons on vowel sounds.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Flashcards with /d/, /θ/, /z/ words
- Audio recordings of words containing these sounds
- A chart displaying consonant sounds
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds students of previous lessons on vowel sounds and explains that consonants also play an important role in pronunciation.
Embedded Core Skills
- Listening skills
- Speaking skills
- Critical thinking
- Phonological awareness
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- New Oxford Secondary English Course
Instructional Materials
- Flashcards
- Audio clips
- Phonetic charts
CONTENT
Definition and Explanation of Consonant Sounds /d/, /θ/, and /z/
- /d/:
- A voiced sound made by placing the tongue behind the upper teeth and releasing air.
- Examples: dog, doll, drive, dinner, door.
- /θ/:
- A voiceless sound where the tongue is placed between the upper and lower teeth and air is pushed out.
- Examples: think, thank, bath, path, thin.
- /z/:
- A voiced sound made by vibrating the vocal cords and releasing air through the mouth.
- Examples: zoo, zip, buzz, zero, prize.
Class Activity Discussion
- What is a consonant sound?
- A consonant sound is produced when airflow is blocked by the tongue, teeth, or lips.
- What is the /d/ sound?
- It is a voiced consonant sound, as in “dog.”
- Is /θ/ voiced or voiceless?
- It is voiceless, as in “think.”
- What is the difference between /z/ and /s/?
- /z/ is voiced, while /s/ is voiceless.
- How do you pronounce /θ/?
- Place your tongue between your teeth and push air out without vibrating your vocal cords.
- Can you give examples of words with /z/?
- Yes: zip, zoo, zero, buzz, prize.
- What is a voiced sound?
- A sound made with the vibration of the vocal cords.
- Is /d/ a voiced sound?
- Yes.
- Can you use /d/ in a sentence?
- Example: The dog barked loudly.
- What are some common mistakes with /θ/?
- Students often replace it with /t/ or /s/.
- How can I improve my /z/ pronunciation?
- Practice words like buzz and zoo slowly.
- What words begin with /d/?
- Examples: door, dinner, doctor.
- How do you feel the difference between /d/ and /t/?
- Place your hand on your throat; /d/ vibrates, /t/ does not.
- Can /θ/ appear in the middle of a word?
- Yes, as in “mother.”
- How do I know when to use /z/ instead of /s/?
- Many plurals like “dogs” end in /z/.
Teacher’s Activities
- The teacher revises the previous topic on vowel sounds.
- The teacher introduces the new topic, explaining /d/, /θ/, and /z/.
- The teacher writes words containing these sounds on the board.
- The teacher plays audio clips with these sounds and asks students to repeat.
- The teacher corrects any mispronunciations.
Learners’ Activities
- Students listen to the teacher’s explanation.
- Students repeat the words after the teacher.
- Students identify words with the /d/, /θ/, and /z/ sounds from the audio.
- Students participate in group practice with flashcards.
Evaluation Questions
- Write two words with the /d/ sound.
- Give an example of a word with the /θ/ sound.
- What is the difference between /z/ and /s/?
- Write a sentence with a word that contains /z/.
- Which sound is in the word “bath”?
- Identify the sound in “dog.”
- How do you pronounce /θ/?
- Give an example of a word ending with /z/.
- Is /d/ voiced or voiceless?
- Write a sentence using the word “thank.”
Evaluation
- The word “_____” begins with the /d/ sound.
- a) cat
- b) door
- c) think
- d) zoo
- “Thank” contains the sound _____.
- a) /z/
- b) /d/
- c) /θ/
- d) /t/
- Which word has the /z/ sound?
- a) bus
- b) zip
- c) thin
- d) dog
- /θ/ is a _____ sound.
- a) voiced
- b) voiceless
- c) silent
- d) nasal
Conclusion
The teacher goes around the class to monitor students’ pronunciation. Feedback is given to correct errors, and students are praised for their efforts.
This lesson will help students improve their pronunciation and understanding of key consonant sounds used in everyday communication.