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Lesson 20

-s /s/

The suffix -S spells /s/ and signals more than one

At this point, -S is being introduced only as the /s/ sound used to make a noun plural. The -S ending can also spell /z/ (e.g., dogs), which is introduced in Lesson 21.

Today's plan

about 15 min
  1. Step 1Warm up our ears (blend & segment)2 min
  2. Steps 2 & 3Look & Say / Listen & Spell4 min
  3. Step 4Blending drill3 min
  4. Step 5New concept + read/spell6 min
Step 1

Warm Up Our Ears

Say the sounds; students blend them into a word. Then say a word; students break it apart.

Blend it (teacher says sounds → you say word)

/m/ · /ă/ · /p/ · /s/maps
/n/ · /ă/ · /p/ · /s/naps
/t/ · /ă/ · /p/ · /s/taps

Break it (I say word → you say sounds)

Steps 2 & 3

Flashcard Drills

Full-screen cards for the class. Tap a card to check the answer, or press Hear the words to hear the example words read aloud.

Step 4

Blending Drill

Change one part at a time and read the new word.

Initial

g n t

Middle

a

e

Final

p t

+

s

Step 5

New Concept

Today we learn that adding -s to a word can mean 'more than one,' like cat becomes cats.

Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.

Today we are going to learn about the ending -S. When we add -S to the end of a word, it can mean there is more than one of something. For example, one cat is a cat, but two or more cats are cats. The -S at the end still spells /s/.

-s /s/

Adding -S to the end of a word can spell /s/ and shows there is more than one, such as and . The base word stays the same, and we just add S to the end.

How our mouth moves

The suffix -S at the end of a word still makes the /s/ sound, just like the letter S at the beginning of a word. Review the /s/ gesture, as needed: put your tongue right behind your top, front teeth and blow air out. Watch me /sss/. You try /sss/.

Sound wall

Review 's' on the consonant grid under the /s/ picture card; note that -s can also appear as a suffix.

Open the digital sound wall →