Basic steps in teaching individual sounds 2

  • Show the diagram.
  • Explain how the articulators work while making the sound.
  • Model the correct pronunciation.
  • Do some listening discrimination exercises.
  • Practice the sound using familiar vocabulary.
  • Practice the sound in different positions (at the beginning, middle and end of the word).
  • Practice the sound in a sentence.

Sample lesson for Hyun-Chu: /r/ (to be done after /l/)

  • Show diagram (with a side view) and explain the following:
    When making the "r" sound, turn the tip of the tongue up but do not touch the top of the mouth with the tip of the tongue. The sides of the tongue will touch the back teeth.
  • Place the mirror in front of your mouth, positioning it so Hyun-Chu can see your lips move in the mirror.
  • Say the following words: right, roll, ready.
  • Ask Hyun - Chu what position your mouth is in when you say the sound.
  • Do the following listening discrimination exercise: Read the entire sentence to her (choosing one of the two words in brackets). Have her circle the word she hears.

Circle the word that you hear.

  1. That movie is (long, wrong).
  2. I need to make sure this is (light, right).
  3. Did you (light, write) it?
  4. I need to know if this is (law, raw).
  5. I think it is important that she (read, lead).
  6. I need to (correct, collect) your essay.
  7. She is interested in the (file, fire).
  8. I want to read about (pirates, pilots.)

2 Dodson, Margaret et al. The English as a Second Language Tutor Training Manual (Regina: The Regina Public Library, 1988.)