Lesson 34
z /z/
The grapheme Z spells /z/
At this point, Z is only being introduced as the initial /z/ sound. The /z/ sound spelled ZZ (e.g., buzz) is introduced in Lesson 42. We have also learned that S can spell /z/ at the end of some words, such as the words dogs and bugs.
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 the letter Z and the sound /z/ like at the beginning of zip.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
This is the letter Z. Z is a consonant. Z spells /z/ like in the beginning of the word . The letter Z can come at the beginning of a word, such as the words and . The letter Z can also come at the end of a word, such as the word .
Letter formation: Z
Review Z: Start at the top. Straight line across (left to right). Slant line down to the bottom (to the left). Straight line across (left to right again).
Letter formation: z
Introduce z: Begin at the middle line. Start at the top. Straight line across (left to right). Slant line down to the bottom (to the left). Straight line across (left to right again).
How our mouth moves
Remember, to make the /z/ sound, put your tongue right behind your top, front teeth, turn your voice on, and send air out like this...(model). The /z/ sound is a continuous sound that can be stretched out (use continuous hand motion). Watch me /zzz/. You try /zzz/.
Sound wall
Add grapheme card 'z' to the consonant grid under the /z/ picture card (with 's').
Open the digital sound wall →