Spelling - are and air

In a series of engaging activities, children are encouraged to explore the phonetic similarities and differences between the sounds 'are' and 'air'. The lesson begins with a visual and auditory examination of words such as 'chair', 'stare', 'hare', and 'fairy', where children are tasked with identifying the common sound. Through discussion, they learn to differentiate between the spellings of these sounds and predict their occurrence in different words. The lesson is structured to include interactive elements, such as flashcards that pair the target sounds with relevant images, aiding memory and recall.

Subsequent activities challenge the children to select the correct spelling from pairs of similar-sounding words, label pictures with the appropriate 'are' or 'air' containing words, and sort words into categories based on their phonetic components. These exercises are designed to be both fun and educational, with printable materials available to accommodate various learning environments. The lesson culminates in a dictation exercise where children fill in blanks within sentences, applying their knowledge in context. To reinforce the day's learning, a 'Caterpillar Game' is introduced where children build spelling caterpillars by correctly writing words dictated by their partners. The lesson plan also includes a spell check and reminders for homework, ensuring that the phonetic concepts of 'are' and 'air' are thoroughly embedded.