Lesson 3
s /s/
The grapheme S spells /s/
At this point, S is being introduced only as initial /s/. The -S ending (e.g., cats) is introduced in Lesson 20. S as /z/ (e.g., has) is introduced in Lesson 21. The /s/ sound spelled SS (e.g., miss) is introduced in Lesson 42.
Today's plan
about 15 min- Step 1Warm up our ears (blend & segment)2 min
- Steps 2 & 3Look & Say / Listen & Spell4 min
- Step 4Blending drill3 min
- Step 5New concept + read/spell6 min
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)
Break it (I say word → you say sounds)
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.
New Concept
Today we learn the letter S and the sound /s/ like in sun.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
This is the letter S. S is a consonant. S spells /s/ like in the beginning of the word . The letter S can come at the beginning of a word, such as the words and .
Letter formation: S
Review S: Start at the top. Make a little curve around this way (counterclockwise). Turn down and little curve around the other way.
Letter formation: s
Introduce s: Begin at the middle line. Start at the top. Little curve around this way (counterclockwise). Turn down and a little curve around the other way.
How our mouth moves
To make the /s/ sound, put your tongue right behind your top, front teeth and blow air out like this…(model). The /s/ sound is a continuous sound that can be stretched out (use continuous hand motion). You sound like a hissssing sssnake when you say the /s/ sound! Be sure to keep your voice off when you make the /s/ sound. Watch me /sss/. You try /sss/.
Sound wall
Add grapheme card 's' to the consonant grid under the /s/ picture card.
Open the digital sound wall →