Speech Work Consonant Contrast /S/ and /Z/ – Basic 5 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Recognize and pronounce the sounds correctly ii. Generate ten words that contain the sounds iii. Draw the contrast between the sounds when used in words iv. Construct sentences with the pairs of sounds v. Students will also be able to identify the difference in the production of /s/ and /z/ sounds vi. Students will be able to produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds correctly vii. Students will also be able to use the /s/ and /z/ sounds in words correctly

Learning Activities

1. Pupils in groups identify the given sounds on the charts and pronounce them distinctively 
2. Pupils as a class mimic the mouth positioning model to pronounce the sounds 

iii. Pupils in a group come up with at least ten words on each sound 

1. Pupils in small groups, contrast the production of both sounds in words eg grace – graze, course – cause, face -phase, dense-dens, fierce – fears etc

Embedded Core Skills

1. Communication and Collaboration ii. Critical thinking and problem solving iii. Leadership skills and Personal Development iv. Creativity and Imagination

Learning Materials

• Wall charts
• Audio player
• Video clip
• Wall charts
• Laptop
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers or pens
• Word lists with /s/ and /z/ sounds
• Tongue twisters and phrases with /s/ and /z/ sounds
• Audio recordings of /s/ and /z/ sounds

Content

The /s/ and /z/ sounds are known as “sibilant” consonants and are produced by directing a stream of air through a narrow channel in the mouth, causing a high-pitched hissing sound.

The /s/ sound is produced with the blade of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge, which is the bony ridge behind the upper front teeth, whereas the /z/ sound is produced with the blade of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge and vocal cords vibrating, resulting in a voiced sound. The primary difference between the /s/ and /z/ sounds is the presence or absence of vocal cord vibration.

Words that contain the Consonant sound /s/

Sail, sit, sing, sun, sea, seal, sock, soup, snake, snow, sell, sound, space, spice, special, speech, spirit, support, system, science.

Words that contain the Consonant sound /z/

Zoo, zip, zone, zero, zebra, zinc, zeal, zigzag, zombie, zephyr, zenith, zircon, zen, zodiac, zipper, zebra, zinger, zenana, zillion, zephyr.