Week 1, lesson 1 Phoneme "s" Grapheme "s" - Phonics Phase 2 - Lesson plan

Embarking on the journey of phonics, the first lesson is a delightful introduction to the phoneme /s/ and its corresponding grapheme . The objective of the day is to familiarise the young learners with this sound, starting with a creative reveal of the 'Seal with a Wheel' card, which incorporates the target phoneme. The lesson plan encourages children to engage with the sound through a Name Game, where they create alliterative phrases that resonate with their own names, sharpening their ability to listen for and identify the /s/ sound.

The teaching segment incorporates a story about a circus seal, designed to emphasise the /s/ phoneme in a memorable context. Children are invited to mimic the hissing sound of air escaping from the seal's wheel, reinforcing the phoneme through action and sound. To further practise, students are guided to write the grapheme in the air or on each other's backs, and to identify objects around them that begin with the /s/ sound. The application of this new knowledge is facilitated through writing exercises on mini whiteboards and creative extension activities like playdough and sand writing. The lesson plan emphasises the importance of making this initial phonics lesson exciting and positive, setting the stage for a rewarding journey in reading and writing.