Week 29, lesson 2 Phoneme "sh, ch" - Phonics Phase 5, unit 3 - Lesson plan

In Week 29's second lesson of Phonics Phase 5, Unit 3, students are set to explore the different ways to spell the /sh/ phoneme. The objective of the day is clearly stated: "Today we are learning ways to spell the /sh/ phoneme." The lesson begins with a quick revisiting of high frequency words through the 'HFW Race'. Children review ten high frequency word flashcards, reading each word aloud and sounding it out if necessary. To add a competitive edge, the second round of reviewing is turned into a team game where speed is the key to victory.

The teaching segment introduces the 'Sheep' pictophone, a visual aid that helps students connect the /sh/ phoneme with its representation. The class is informed that the /sh/ sound can be spelt in different ways, with the graphemes and written on the board for demonstration. Words such as 'shoot' and 'chef' are written and discussed, with the relevant grapheme underlined to emphasize its role in representing the /sh/ sound. During the practice activity, 'Spot the Fake', students engage with real and nonsense words presented on coins. They sound out each word and decide whether it belongs in the 'treasure chest' for real words or the 'bin' for fake ones, enhancing their phonemic awareness. To apply their learning, the children use mini whiteboards to write dictated words and sentences that include the /sh/ phoneme, such as 'shape', 'chef', 'parachute', and 'wash', along with sentences like "The knife is too sharp" and "Make a wish on a shooting star."