Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare charts with clear pictures for beginning sounds (e.g., apple for /a/, ball for /b/, cat for /c/) and a large chart of uppercase ‘B’ and lowercase ‘b’. Also, ensure you have writing books and crayons ready for each child. The central idea is for pupils to recognise simple beginning sounds and the letter ‘b’, associate it with its sound and familiar objects, and enjoy reciting the rhyme. Successful learning will be observed as pupils repeat sounds, point to letter ‘b’, and participate in tracing and the rhyme.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 9
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Literacy
Curriculum Theme: Literacy
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: Beginning Sounds /a/-/p/, Letter b Practice and Rhyme
Subject Matter: Speech: Sounds: /a/ – /p/ Sounding and recognition of sounds; Writing: Tracing Letter – b; Rhyme: If all the raindrops.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the beginning sounds of familiar objects like /a/ for apple and /b/ for ball.
- Recognise uppercase ‘B’ and lowercase ‘b’.
- Say the sound /b/ for letter ‘b’.
Affective Domain
- Enjoy listening to and repeating beginning sounds.
- Participate enthusiastically in reciting the rhyme.
Psychomotor Domain
- Trace letter ‘b’ (uppercase and lowercase) with guidance.
- Perform simple actions while reciting the rhyme.
Social Domain
- Take turns and participate in group activities.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
- Early years literacy picture cards
Instructional Materials
- Picture charts for beginning sounds (e.g., apple, ball, cat, dog, egg, fish)
- Large letter ‘B b’ chart
- Real objects: a ball, a book, a banana
- Writing books/sheets with large letter ‘b’ outlines
- Crayons
- MP4 Player/Speaker for the rhyme video
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for 2-year-olds as it lays the foundation for early literacy by introducing them to beginning sounds and letter recognition. Associating sounds with letters and objects helps develop phonological awareness, while guided tracing enhances fine motor skills essential for future writing. Engaging with rhymes also boosts language development, memory, and listening skills in a fun and interactive way.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with listening to stories and songs, pointing to pictures, and making simple sounds. They can also hold a crayon with some assistance.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
BEGINNING SOUNDS /A/-/P/, LETTER B PRACTICE AND RHYME
Beginning Sounds
Every word has a sound at the beginning. We listen to the first sound we hear when we say a word.
- /a/ for apple (show apple picture)
- /b/ for ball (show ball picture/object)
- /c/ for cat (show cat picture)
- /d/ for dog (show dog picture)
- /e/ for egg (show egg picture)
- /f/ for fish (show fish picture)
We will learn many sounds, but today we will focus on /b/.
Letter ‘b’ Recognition and Sound
The letter ‘b’ makes the sound /b/.
Look at the letter ‘B’ (uppercase) and ‘b’ (lowercase).
Words that start with the /b/ sound:
- Ball
- Book
- Banana
Tracing Letter ‘b’
To write letter ‘b’:
- Start at the top, draw a straight line down.
- Go back to the middle, draw a curve to the right to make a tummy.
Rhyme: If All the Raindrops
Tune: Traditional Children’s Song
Lyrics:
If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops
Oh, what a world this would be!
I’d stand outside with my mouth open wide
“Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!”
If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops
Oh, what a world this would be!
Actions:
- “If all the raindrops”: Wiggle fingers downwards like falling rain.
- “lemon drops and gumdrops”: Pretend to catch and eat sweets.
- “Oh, what a world this would be!”: Spread arms wide.
- “I’d stand outside with my mouth open wide”: Open mouth wide and look up.
- “Ah, ah, ah…”: Make a happy sound and wiggle fingers.
Watch and Practise
Key Words
- Sound – The first noise we hear in a word.
- Letter – A written sign that stands for a sound.
- B – The second letter of the alphabet.
- Ball – A round toy.
- Raindrops – Small drops of water falling from the sky.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Use the picture charts to introduce beginning sounds. Point to each picture (apple, ball, cat, etc.) and clearly articulate its beginning sound, having pupils repeat after you. For letter ‘b’, show the large ‘B b’ chart and the real objects (ball, book, banana), emphasising the /b/ sound. Guide pupils to trace the letter ‘b’ in the air first, then on their writing books, providing hand-over-hand assistance as needed.
What to show or demonstrate: Show the picture cards for beginning sounds, clearly saying the sound. Point to uppercase ‘B’ and lowercase ‘b’ on the chart. Hold up a real ball, book, and banana, saying their names and highlighting the /b/ sound. Demonstrate air tracing of letter ‘b’ several times, then model tracing on a large sheet or whiteboard before pupils try.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “If All the Raindrops” rhyme by saying the title. Sing the rhyme slowly the first time, performing the actions. Encourage pupils to join in with actions and sounds like “Ah, ah, ah!” as you repeat the rhyme several times. Make it fun and energetic.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to sing the “If All the Raindrops” song. Play the video on an MP4 player or speaker. Encourage pupils to watch, listen, and try to sing along and do the actions with the video. After watching, lead them in singing the rhyme again without the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are attempting to repeat the sounds and words. Check their pencil grip and tracing attempts for letter ‘b’. Ensure they are engaged and participating in the rhyme and its actions. Correct pronunciation gently and encourage all attempts.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Repetition
- Manipulation of Objects
- Question and Answer
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils with a cheerful song and asks them about their favourite toys. The teacher then introduces the idea that today they will learn about sounds and a special letter.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, mention their favourite toys, and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready for the lesson.
Step 2: Exploring Beginning Sounds
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Sound Recognition/Oral Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows picture cards (apple, ball, cat, dog, egg, fish) one by one. For each, the teacher says the word clearly, emphasising the beginning sound, and asks pupils to repeat the sound and the word. The teacher focuses on /a/ for apple and /b/ for ball.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the pictures, listen to the teacher, and repeat the beginning sounds and words.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognise and repeat simple beginning sounds.
Step 3: Introducing Letter ‘b’ and its Sound
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Letter Recognition/Sound Association
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows the large ‘B b’ chart and says, “This is letter ‘b’. It makes the /b/ sound.” The teacher then shows real objects like a ball, a book, and a banana, saying their names and asking pupils to say the /b/ sound.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the letter ‘b’ on the chart, listen to the sound, and repeat /b/ while pointing to the objects.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise letter ‘b’ and associate it with its /b/ sound and familiar objects.
Step 4: Guided Tracing of Letter ‘b’
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Fine Motor/Pre-Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to trace letter ‘b’ in the air, using a large motion. Then, the teacher distributes writing books with large ‘b’ outlines and crayons, guiding pupils to trace the letter with their fingers first, then with crayons, providing hand-over-hand support.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils trace letter ‘b’ in the air, then with their fingers, and finally with crayons in their books, following the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils practise tracing letter ‘b’ to develop pre-writing skills.
Step 5: Introducing the Rhyme
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Language/Listening
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the rhyme “If All the Raindrops” and explains what it is about (raindrops turning into sweets). The teacher recites the rhyme once slowly, performing simple actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the rhyme and watch the teacher’s actions.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the rhyme and its theme.
Step 6: Rhyme Recitation with Video and Actions
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Oral Language/Movement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the “If All the Raindrops” video. After the video, the teacher leads the pupils in reciting the rhyme again, encouraging them to sing along and perform the actions together.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, then sing along and perform the actions with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils practise reciting the rhyme with actions, enhancing language and coordination.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “What sound does ‘apple’ start with?”
- “Can you point to the letter ‘b’ on the chart?”
- “What sound does letter ‘b’ make?”
- “Show me how you trace letter ‘b’ in the air.”
- “Let’s sing the ‘Ah, ah, ah’ part of our raindrop rhyme.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and good listening. The teacher reminds them to keep practising their sounds and tracing. A short goodbye song is sung.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and sing the goodbye song.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and the lesson is brought to a close.
Lesson Keywords
- Sound – The first noise we hear in a word.
- Letter – A written sign that stands for a sound.
- B – The second letter of the alphabet.
- Ball – A round toy.
- Raindrops – Small drops of water falling from the sky.
Differentiation
- Support: Provide more one-on-one guidance for tracing letter ‘b’, use larger letter outlines, focus on only 2-3 beginning sounds for repetition, and offer hand-over-hand assistance for rhyme actions.
- Extension: Encourage pupils to identify other objects in the classroom that start with the /b/ sound, or try to identify the beginning sound of their own names (if simple).
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