2 minute read
Whose Name Is It?
Phoneme Awareness Whose Name Is It?
Objective
Students will produce sounds and identify how they are formed .
Overview
This activity draws attention to how the shape of the mouth changes depending upon the sound being spoken . The teacher tells children to determine which of two names the teacher is about to say . Children predict which of the two will be said based on the shape of the teacher’s mouth .
Materials
mirrors (optional); letter cards (optional)
Procedure 1. Select two children whose names begin with different sounds . Ask them to stand in front of the group . Note: Use names that begin with sufficiently different sounds so that your mouth position noticeably changes . For example, the names Peter and Billy are too similar . Peter and Alisa are better contrasts . 2. Tell children to watch your mouth closely as you prepare to say one of the two names . Alert them that you will not make a sound; their job is to predict whose name you will say based on the shape of your mouth . 3. Position your mouth to say the first sound in one of the names . Then, ask children which name you were going to say, pronouncing each name . Repeat each name several times, pausing between positioning your mouth and actually saying the name . Encourage the children to join you . Ask children to notice the shape your mouth and theirs take for each name . Then, position your mouth again with just the first sound of the target name . Solicit responses and provide feedback . 4. Select a new pair of children, and repeat the procedure . Allow children to take your role . Invite all children to prepare to say their own names without making a sound . Provide mirrors so children can observe themselves making sounds and enjoy the silly faces . Differentiate or Extend ▲ Hold two objects or picture cards, and have children identify them . Then, have children turn to partners and take turns positioning their mouths to say one of the words for their partners to guess . ▲ Use two names that are very similar in mouth position so the children conclude that they can’t determine the name based on the shape of your mouth . Talk about how similar and dissimilar some sounds are . Letter Connection School-Home Connection Encourage family members to join their children in looking into a mirror as they pronounce words of their choice . You may wish to provide a small mirror for each sample samplechild to take home . ▲ After children predict which name you are about to say based on the shape of your mouth, display the name cards, point to the initial letters, and say the corresponding sounds .
