Reading is a crucial skill that sets the foundation for future educational success. One of the proven methods to help children achieve this milestone is through phonics.
Our article provides comprehensive, engaging and effective lesson plans that introduce Year One students to the world of phonics.
These lesson plans are designed with the beginner in mind, using simple yet effective techniques that make learning fun.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for fresh ideas or a parent wanting to support your child’s learning at home, this guide will equip you with the tools necessary to ensure your Year One student has a solid understanding of phonics and is well on their way to becoming a confident reader.
Related: For more, check out our article on whether Phonics and Phonetics Are The Same.
Key Steps In A Phonics Lesson
- Introduction: Start by introducing the letter or letters of the day. Show the students the letter and say its sound.
- Review: Review previously learned letters and sounds. This helps reinforce learning and builds a strong foundation.
- Blending: This step involves teaching students how to blend sounds together to make words. Start with simple two-letter words and then move on to three-letter words.
- Segmenting: In this step, students learn to break down words into their individual sounds. This is an important skill for spelling and decoding unfamiliar words.
- Word Reading: Have students practice reading words that include the new phonics element. They can do this through various activities like reading books, flashcards, or word lists.
- Sentence Reading: Once students are comfortable reading words, they can start reading sentences. This helps them understand how words work together in context.
- Spelling: Teach students how to spell words using the sounds they have learned. They can practice this through writing exercises.
- Assessment: Assess the students’ understanding of the lesson. This can be done through quizzes, worksheets, or verbal assessments.
- Closure: Summarize the lesson and review what was learned. This helps reinforce the concepts and prepare students for the next lesson.
Remember, these steps can be adjusted based on the needs and abilities of your students. Phonics instruction should be systematic and sequential, but also flexible and engaging to keep students motivated and excited about learning.
Related: For more, check out our article on How To Follow Development Matters In Phonics Teaching here.
Year One Phonics Lesson Plan: Letter ‘S’
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to recognize and pronounce the sound of the letter ‘S’ and blend it with other sounds to form words.
Step 1: Introduction
Introduce the letter ‘S’ using an engaging and colorful flashcard. Emphasize the sound it makes, which is /s/.
Make sure to articulate your mouth clearly so students can see how your teeth slightly touch to make the /s/ sound. Ask the students to repeat the sound several times, ensuring they are using the correct mouth movements.
Step 2: Review
Review previously learned letters and their associated sounds. Use a phonics chart or flashcards, and have the students say the sounds out loud as you point to each letter.
This reinforces previous learning and prepares them for the new lesson.
Step 3: Blending
Start blending activities by combining the /s/ sound with other known sounds to create words.
Begin with simple two-letter words like ‘so’, ‘is’, then progress to three-letter words such as ‘sit’, ‘sun’. Encourage students to pronounce each sound separately first, then blend them together into a word.
Step 4: Segmenting
Teach students to break down words into individual sounds. For example, with the word ‘sun’, help them identify it consists of the sounds /s/, /u/, and /n/. Use sound buttons or counters to help visualize each sound in the word.
Step 5: Word Reading
Prepare a set of flashcards or a word list that includes words with the /s/ sound. Have students read these words aloud, prompting them to sound out the words initially and then say them quickly.
This practice will enhance their decoding skills.
Step 6: Sentence Reading
Write simple sentences on the board that incorporate words with the /s/ sound, such as ‘Sam sees the sun.’
Have students read these sentences aloud. This helps them understand how the /s/ sound fits into the context of a whole sentence.
Step 7: Spelling
Conduct a spelling activity where students spell words using the /s/ sound. Start with words they have practiced in the blending and word reading steps.
Make this interactive by having a mini spelling bee or a fun group competition.
Step 8: Assessment
Assess students’ understanding of the /s/ sound and their ability to blend and segment sounds. This can be done through a short quiz, worksheet, or one-on-one reading assessment. Use this assessment to guide future instruction.
Step 9: Closure
Conclude the lesson by reviewing the /s/ sound and the learned words.
Encourage students to practice at home by reading books or doing worksheets reinforcing the /s/ sound. Preview the next letter sound they will be learning to keep them excited about upcoming lessons.
Related: For more, check out our article on Why Do We Do The Phonics Screening Check here.
Year One Phonics Lesson Plan: Letter ‘B’
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to recognize and pronounce the sound of the letter ‘B’ and blend it with other sounds to form words.
Step 1: Introduction
Present the letter ‘B’ to the students using a large, colorful flashcard. Emphasize the sound it makes which is /b/.
Make sure to articulate your mouth so students can see how your lips come together to make the /b/ sound. Ask the students to repeat the sound several times, ensuring they are using the correct mouth movements.
Step 2: Review
Take time to review previously learned letters and their associated sounds. Use a set of flashcards or a phonics chart for this step. Point to each letter and have the students say the sound out loud.
This will not only reinforce previous knowledge but also warm them up for today’s lesson.
Step 3: Blending
Begin blending activities by pairing the /b/ sound with other familiar sounds to create words. Start with simple two-letter words like ‘be’, ‘by’, slowly progressing to three-letter words such as ‘bat’, ‘bed’. Ensure students pronounce each sound separately first, then blend them together into a word.
Step 4: Segmenting
Teach students to break words down into individual sounds, a skill known as segmenting. For instance, with the word ‘bat’, help them identify it consists of the sounds /b/, /a/, and /t/. Use manipulatives like sound buttons or counters to visualize each sound in the word.
Step 5: Word Reading
Prepare a set of flashcards or a word list that features words with the /b/ sound. Have the students read the words aloud, prompting them to sound out the words and then say them quickly. This practice will enhance their decoding skills.
Step 6: Sentence Reading
Write simple sentences on the board that include words with the /b/ sound, such as ‘Bob has a bat.’ Encourage students to read the sentences aloud, paying attention to fluency and intonation. This will help them understand how the /b/ sound works in the context of a sentence.
Step 7: Spelling
Conduct a spelling activity where students spell words using the /b/ sound. You can begin with words they have practiced in the blending and word reading steps. Make this interactive by having a mini spelling bee or a fun group competition.
Step 8: Assessment
Evaluate students’ understanding of the /b/ sound and their ability to blend and segment sounds. Use a short quiz, worksheet, or one-on-one reading assessment for this.
Tailor your future lessons based on the results of this assessment.
Step 9: Closure
Summarize the lesson by reviewing what was learned. Reiterate the /b/ sound and go over the words again. Encourage students to practice at home by reading books or doing worksheets that reinforce the /b/ sound.
Give them a preview of the next letter sound they will learn to keep them excited about future lessons.
Year One Phonics Lesson Plan: Letter ‘M’
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to recognize and pronounce the sound of the letter ‘M’ and blend it with other sounds to form words.
Step 1: Introduction
Introduce the letter ‘M’ to the students using a large, colorful flashcard. Emphasize the sound it makes, which is /m/.
Make sure to articulate your mouth clearly so students can see how your lips come together to make the /m/ sound. Ask the students to repeat the sound several times, ensuring they are using the correct mouth movements.
Step 2: Review
Review previously learned letters and their associated sounds. Use a set of flashcards or a phonics chart for this step.
Point to each letter and have the students say the sound out loud. This not only reinforces previous knowledge but also warms them up for today’s lesson.
Step 3: Blending
Begin blending activities by combining the /m/ sound with other familiar sounds to form words.
Start with simple two-letter words like ‘me’, ‘my’, then progress to three-letter words such as ‘mat’, ‘mud’. Ensure students pronounce each sound separately first, then blend them together into a word.
Step 4: Segmenting
Teach students to break down words into individual sounds, a skill known as segmenting. For instance, with the word ‘mat’, help them identify it consists of the sounds /m/, /a/, and /t/. Use manipulatives like sound buttons or counters to visualize each sound in the word.
Step 5: Word Reading
Prepare a set of flashcards or a word list that features words with the /m/ sound. Have the students read the words aloud, prompting them to sound out the words and then say them quickly. This practice will enhance their decoding skills.
Step 6: Sentence Reading
Write simple sentences on the board that include words with the /m/ sound, such as ‘Mom met a man.’ Encourage students to read the sentences aloud, paying attention to fluency and intonation. This will help them understand how the /m/ sound works in the context of a sentence.
Step 7: Spelling
Conduct a spelling activity where students spell words using the /m/ sound. You can begin with words they have practiced in the blending and word reading steps. Make this interactive by having a mini spelling bee or a fun group competition.
Step 8: Assessment
Evaluate students’ understanding of the /m/ sound and their ability to blend and segment sounds. Use a short quiz, worksheet, or one-on-one reading assessment for this. Tailor your future lessons based on the results of this assessment.
Step 9: Closure
Summarize the lesson by reviewing what was learned. Reiterate the /m/ sound and go over the words again. Encourage students to practice at home by reading books or doing worksheets that reinforce the /m/ sound. Give them a preview of the next letter sound they will be learning to keep them excited about future lessons.
Year One Phonics Lesson Plan: Letter ‘P’
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to recognize and pronounce the sound of the letter ‘P’ and blend it with other sounds to form words.
Step 1: Introduction
Begin the lesson by introducing the letter ‘P’ using an interesting and vibrant flashcard. Highlight the sound it makes, which is /p/. Clearly articulate your mouth so students can see how your lips part to make the /p/ sound. Ask the students to repeat the sound several times, ensuring they are using the correct mouth movements.
Step 2: Review
Go over previously learned letters and their associated sounds. Utilize a phonics chart or flashcards, and have the students say the sounds out loud as you point to each letter. This reinforces previous learning and prepares them for the new lesson.
Step 3: Blending
Initiate blending activities by combining the /p/ sound with other known sounds to create words. Begin with simple two-letter words like ‘up’, ‘pa’, then progress to three-letter words such as ‘pen’, ‘pot’. Encourage students to pronounce each sound separately first, then blend them together into a word.
Step 4: Segmenting
Teach students to deconstruct words into individual sounds. For example, with the word ‘pot’, help them identify it consists of the sounds /p/, /o/, and /t/. Use sound buttons or counters to help visualize each sound in the word.
Step 5: Word Reading
Prepare a set of flashcards or a word list that includes words with the /p/ sound. Have students read these words aloud, prompting them to sound out the words initially and then say them quickly. This practice will enhance their decoding skills.
Step 6: Sentence Reading
Write simple sentences on the board that incorporate words with the /p/ sound, such as ‘Pop the pink balloon.’ Have students read these sentences aloud. This helps them understand how the /p/ sound fits into the context of a whole sentence.
Step 7: Spelling
Conduct a spelling activity where students spell words using the /p/ sound. Start with words they have practiced in the blending and word reading steps. Make this interactive by having a mini spelling bee or a fun group competition.
Step 8: Assessment
Assess students’ understanding of the /p/ sound and their ability to blend and segment sounds. This can be done through a short quiz, worksheet, or one-on-one reading assessment. Use this assessment to guide future instruction.
Step 9: Closure
Conclude the lesson by reviewing the /p/ sound and the words that were learned. Encourage students to practice at home by reading books or doing worksheets that reinforce the /p/ sound. Preview the next letter sound they will be learning to keep them excited about upcoming lessons.
Year One Phonics Lesson Plan: Letter ‘T’
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to recognize and pronounce the sound of the letter ‘T’ and blend it with other sounds to form words.
Step 1: Introduction
Start by introducing the letter ‘T’ using a large, colorful flashcard. Emphasize the sound it makes, which is /t/. Make sure to articulate your mouth clearly so students can see how your tongue and teeth work together to make the /t/ sound. Have the students repeat the sound several times, ensuring they are using the correct mouth movements.
Step 2: Review
Review previously learned letters and their associated sounds. Use a set of flashcards or a phonics chart for this step. Point to each letter and have the students say the sound out loud. This not only reinforces previous knowledge but also warms them up for today’s lesson.
Step 3: Blending
Begin blending activities by combining the /t/ sound with other familiar sounds to form words. Start with simple two-letter words like ‘to’, ‘it’, then progress to three-letter words such as ‘top’, ‘cat’. Ensure students pronounce each sound separately first, then blend them together into a word.
Step 4: Segmenting
Teach students to break down words into individual sounds, a skill known as segmenting. For instance, with the word ‘top’, help them identify it consists of the sounds /t/, /o/, and /p/. Use manipulatives like sound buttons or counters to visualize each sound in the word.
Step 5: Word Reading
Prepare a set of flashcards or a word list that features words with the /t/ sound. Have the students read the words aloud, prompting them to sound out the words and then say them quickly. This practice will enhance their decoding skills.
Step 6: Sentence Reading
Write simple sentences on the board that include words with the /t/ sound, such as ‘Tom took two tomatoes.’ Encourage students to read the sentences aloud, paying attention to fluency and intonation. This will help them understand how the /t/ sound works in the context of a sentence.
Step 7: Spelling
Conduct a spelling activity where students spell words using the /t/ sound. You can begin with words they have practiced in the blending and word reading steps. Make this interactive by having a mini spelling bee or a fun group competition.
Step 8: Assessment
Evaluate students’ understanding of the /t/ sound and their ability to blend and segment sounds. Use a short quiz, worksheet, or one-on-one reading assessment for this. Tailor your future lessons based on the results of this assessment.
Step 9: Closure
Summarize the lesson by reviewing what was learned. Reiterate the /t/ sound and go over the words again. Encourage students to practice at home by reading books or doing worksheets that reinforce the /t/ sound. Give them a preview of the next letter sound they will be learning to keep them excited about future lessons.
The phonics lesson plans detailed in this article offer a practical, engaging, and effective approach to teaching Year One students the fundamental skill of reading.
As these lessons introduce children to the world of phonics in a fun way, they lay a strong foundation for future educational achievements.
These plans are not only beneficial for teachers seeking innovative teaching methods but also for parents who wish to bolster their child’s learning journey at home.
The simple yet powerful techniques outlined in these lessons ensure that every Year One student gains a robust understanding of phonics and takes confident strides towards becoming an accomplished reader.
Remember, the journey of reading begins with a single letter, and these lesson plans are designed to make that journey as enriching and exciting as possible.
