English Resource Description
In the third lesson of Week 4 during Phonics Phase 5, Unit 1, children are introduced to the concept of a split digraph with the new grapheme . The objective is to familiarize students with how the split digraph works, using the /igh/ phoneme as an example. The lesson begins with an interactive element, where children choose from a selection of pictophones, including an Ice Cream image, to identify the /igh/ sound. This is followed by a quick review of previously learned tricky words with a fun 'Quickdash' activity, where children shout out the words as they appear on flashcards.
The teaching segment of the lesson involves writing the word "time" on the board, marking it with sound buttons under the letters and , and a swooping line between and to show their connection as a split digraph. The instructor explains that the changes the sound of to its letter name, and this is practiced with words like "time" and "bite". Students are then encouraged to come to the board and draw the swooping line on additional words. The practice continues with a 'Spot the Fake' activity where children discern between real and nonsense words. The application of the lesson is done through writing exercises on mini whiteboards, where children transcribe sentences that include the /igh/ phoneme, such as "It’s time to ride bikes" and the more challenging "My kite flies up high." Teaching notes clarify the use of sound buttons and bars to aid in phoneme recognition.
