Lesson 31
x /ks/
The grapheme X spells /ks/
The letter X is unusual because it is a single letter that represents the combination of two phonemes: /k/ and /s/. This lesson uses two different notations for the sound of X: /ks/ and /k/ /s/. This is intentional. Blending skills are used for decoding: when students see the letter X, they say /ks/ and blend it with the other sounds as one combined unit. Segmenting skills are used for encoding: when students are segmenting a spoken word with /k/ and /s/ at the end, they must determine how it will be spelled, so pronounce /k/ and /s/ separately for spelling tasks. Because X represents the combination of two sounds, it is not included on the sound wall.
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.
Blending Drill
Change one part at a time and read the new word.
New Concept
Today we learn that the letter X stands for two sounds blended together: /k/ and /s/.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
This is the letter X. X is a consonant. The letter X represents two sounds blended together: /k/ and /s/, like at the end of the word . X usually comes at the end of a word, such as the words and . We sometimes see the letter X before the letter T. This happens at the end of words like next and text.
Letter formation: X
Review X: Start at the top. Slant line down to the bottom (left to right). Hop back to the top. Slant line down the other way (right to left).
Letter formation: x
Introduce x: Begin at the middle line. Start at the top. Slant line down (left to right). Hop back to the top. Slant line down the other way (right to left).
How our mouth moves
To make the sound for X, you're going to combine two other sounds we've learned: /k/ and /s/. So, you'll start with your tongue raised up in the back, and then move it to right behind your top, front teeth and blow air out like this...(model /ks/). Be sure to keep your voice off when you make the /ks/ sound. Watch me /kss/. You try /kss/.