Lesson 63
-es
Reading and spelling words with -ES
This is students' first introduction to words with more than one syllable. The -ES ending has two sounds: the E makes a schwa sound and the S makes /z/. The schwa is a common sound in words with more than one syllable.
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.
Initial
d h
Middle
a
u
i
ng
Final
g m
+
New Concept
Today we learn to read and spell words with the -ES ending.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
The -S ending is used to make nouns plural. Plural means more than one: one cat, three cats. The -S ending can also change the tense of verbs: I run, he runs. If a word ends with CH, SH, S, X, or Z, we add -ES instead of just -S, like in the words , , , , foxes.
Why -ES?
If a word ends with CH, SH, S, X, or Z, we add -ES instead of just -S, like in bunches, dishes, glasses, boxes, and foxes.
The schwa in -ES
When we add -ES at the end of a word, the E is pronounced with a schwa. Listen to how I say the second syllable of these words: glasses, buzzes, fetches. Did you hear the /ə/?
How our mouth moves
The schwa is the most relaxed of all sounds. It is made right in the middle of your mouth, with no stretching or tightening of your lips or tongue. To make the schwa /ə/ sound, open your mouth just a little bit, like this…(model). Be sure your voice is on. Unlike other vowel sounds, we don't stretch out the schwa; we say it more quickly. Watch me /ə/. You try /ə/.