Hello, everyone, and a very Happy November to you all! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of teaching English pronunciation of -th, and I’ve got a nifty little trick to share with you that will make the learning process both engaging and effective.
Charting Success with “Th” Words:
As an English language teacher, I understand the challenges that learners face when it comes to mastering pronunciation. Some sounds, like the notorious “th,” can be particularly tricky. It’s not every day you find a sound that requires you to place your tongue in a specific spot between your teeth, right? So, I’ve devised a simple yet highly effective method to help my students conquer the “th” sound.
Mini Lesson on Mastering “Th”:
Before we dive into the magical “th” words chart, I kick things off with a mini-lesson on how to pronounce the elusive “th” sound. This includes a fun exploration of where to place the tongue. We all know that mastering this sound is like unlocking a secret code in the English language, and I’m here to make it as exciting as it is educational.
The “Th” Words Chart – A “Ticket Out the Door”:
The star of the show, my “th” words chart, is not only a valuable teaching tool but also a fun way to wrap up our lessons. After our mini-lesson, it’s time for students to put their newfound knowledge into action. Each student takes a turn correctly pronouncing the “th” words listed on the chart.
Why do we call it a “ticket out the door”? Well, it’s a fantastic way to end the lesson on a positive note. When students successfully pronounce the words, they earn their “ticket” to head out the door, feeling accomplished and confident in their pronunciation skills.
Crafting the Chart with “Magic Ink”:
You may be wondering how we created this chart that adds an element of fun and hands-on learning to the classroom. The secret lies in what I affectionately call “magic ink.” To make this chart, we used a simple but ingenious concoction—bleach diluted with water.
We applied the “magic ink” to the chart using a Q-tip as our “pen.” It’s a simple yet highly effective method that provides a visual cue for students to practice their “th” words.
One tip I’ve discovered is to use the non-shiny side of the construction paper, as it absorbs the “magic ink” better, ensuring that the words stand out clearly. Before you dive into the activity with your students, it’s a good idea to test your “magic ink” on a spare piece of paper. This way, you can ensure that everything works smoothly when the kids come in for their pronunciation practice.
Happy Teaching and Pronunciation Success:
So there you have it—our journey into teaching tricky English pronunciation through a fun and interactive “th” words chart. It’s a method that not only helps students learn but also leaves them feeling accomplished and excited about mastering the English language.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on practicing difficult pronunciation in English. Have you tried similar activities in your classroom? Feel free to share your experiences and techniques in the comments below.
Read about differentiation for English Learners here!
Until next time,
Happy Teaching!
Lori
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