Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare flashcards with the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ clearly written. Ensure each pupil has a writing book, a pencil, and an eraser. The central idea for pupils is to recognise these two-letter words, say them aloud, and attempt to trace and copy them with proper pencil grip and sitting posture. Observe pupils’ ability to hold their pencil correctly and make the strokes for each letter.
Class: Pre-School Level 2
Term: Third Term
Week: 8
Age: 3 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Handwriting
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Recognising and tracing simple letter strokes.
Topic: TWO-LETTER WORDS: WRITING AND READING LO, NO, GO AND SO
Subject Matter: TWO-LETTER WORDS. Writing and Reading the Following Words: Lo, No, Go, So. Weekly focus: Two-Letter Words: Writing and Reading lo, no, go and so.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Recognise the two-letter words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ when shown.
- Say the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ clearly.
- Identify the letters that make up each word.
Affective Domain
- Show interest in learning new words.
- Participate actively in oral repetition and tracing activities.
- Listen attentively to the teacher’s instructions.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate proper sitting posture for writing.
- Hold a pencil correctly.
- Attempt to trace the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ in their writing books.
- Practise copying the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ with guidance.
Social Domain
- Follow simple instructions given by the teacher.
- Take turns during group activities.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 2
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
- Suitable early-years handwriting workbook
Instructional Materials
- Writing Book
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Flashcards with ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, ‘so’
- Chart showing the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, ‘so’
- Whiteboard or chalkboard
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning to write and read simple two-letter words like ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ is a foundational step in early literacy for 3-year-olds. It helps them connect letter sounds to whole words, builds confidence in reading, and develops fine motor skills essential for future writing. These simple words are often encountered in everyday communication and stories.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can recognise some individual letters of the alphabet and have practised making simple strokes and patterns. They can also hold a pencil and follow basic instructions.Lesson Content/Board Summary
TWO-LETTER WORDS: WRITING AND READING LO, NO, GO AND SO
Two-letter words are very short words made up of two letters. We say them and we write them.
Words to Learn:
- lo (L + o)
- no (N + o)
- go (G + o)
- so (S + o)
How to write:
Always sit up straight and hold your pencil correctly. We write from left to right.
For ‘lo’: Start with ‘l’ (down stroke), then ‘o’ (round shape).
For ‘no’: Start with ‘n’ (down, over, down), then ‘o’ (round shape).
For ‘go’: Start with ‘g’ (round shape, then down with a hook), then ‘o’ (round shape).
For ‘so’: Start with ‘s’ (curve, curve), then ‘o’ (round shape).
Word Repetition Rhyme
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Lo, no, go, and so,
Easy words, watch them grow!
Two little letters, side by side,
In our books, we love to write!
Lo, no, go, and so,
Now we know them, watch us grow!
Actions: Clap hands for each word, point to the words on the chart, pretend to write in the air.
Watch and Practise
Key Words
- Lo – a two-letter word.
- No – a two-letter word that means not yes.
- Go – a two-letter word that means to move.
- So – a two-letter word that means therefore or very.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce the concept of two-letter words simply. Show the flashcards one by one, saying each word clearly and asking pupils to repeat. Emphasise the letters that make up each word. Use the chart to display the words for visual reinforcement.
What to show or demonstrate: Demonstrate proper sitting posture (back straight, feet flat) and correct pencil grip (thumb and first two fingers). Draw each letter of ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, ‘so’ on the whiteboard, showing the correct starting points and stroke directions. Model air tracing for each word.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the rhyme after pupils have been introduced to the words. Sing it slowly at first, pointing to each word on the chart as it is sung. Encourage pupils to join in with the actions and repetition. Sing it 2-3 times to help memorisation and word recognition.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see and hear more two-letter words. Play the video, encouraging pupils to watch and listen. After watching, ask pupils to identify any of the words they just learned (‘go’, ‘no’, ‘so’ are in the video) and practise saying them again. Discuss the actions shown in the video.
What to watch for: Observe pupils’ pencil grip and sitting posture. Watch for their ability to follow the stroke directions when tracing. Provide immediate, gentle correction and support as needed.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk (flashcards/chart)
- Repetition
- Practical Activity (tracing and copying)
- Question and Answer
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, sings a short welcome song, and briefly reminds them about the letters they have learned before and how we use them to make words.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, sing along, and recall some letters they know.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready for the lesson, connecting to prior knowledge.
Step 2: Presentation (Pencil Grip and Sitting Position)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct sitting posture for writing (back straight, feet flat, book in front) and the proper way to hold a pencil (using thumb and first two fingers). The teacher explains why this is important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstration, and practise sitting correctly and holding their pencils.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and practise good writing habits.
Step 3: Presentation (Introducing Two-Letter Words)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Introduction/Visual Aid
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the two-letter words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ using flashcards and a chart. The teacher says each word clearly and asks pupils to repeat. The teacher points out the two letters in each word.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards and chart, listen to the words, and repeat them after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise and orally repeat the target two-letter words.
Step 4: Guided Practice (Air Tracing and Rhyme)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in air tracing each word, saying the letters and then the whole word. The teacher then leads the class in singing the “Word Repetition Rhyme” (Lo, no, go, and so…).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils air trace the words with the teacher, saying the letters and words. They then sing the rhyme with actions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce word recognition and practice pre-writing movements.
Step 5: Guided Practice (Tracing in Writing Books)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Supervised Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to open their writing books to the page with the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, ‘so’ for tracing. The teacher moves around, providing individual support and correcting pencil grip or stroke direction as needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully trace the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ in their writing books, following the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils develop fine motor skills and begin to form the target words.
Step 6: Activity (Attempting to Copy)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher encourages pupils to attempt to copy the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ on their own in their writing books, below the traced examples. The teacher continues to observe and offer encouragement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to copy the words ‘lo’, ‘no’, ‘go’, and ‘so’ in their writing books, focusing on making the correct strokes.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their tracing skills to independent writing attempts.
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.
- Show me the word ‘go’ on your chart/flashcard.
- Say the word ‘no’.
- Point to the word ‘so’ in your book.
- Show me your writing of ‘lo’.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their effort and good work. The teacher briefly recaps the words learned and encourages them to practice at home. The teacher may assign a simple homework task, like tracing the words again.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the recap, receive praise, and acknowledge the homework task.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are motivated for continued practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Lo – a short word with two letters.
- No – a word meaning not yes.
- Go – a word meaning to move.
- So – a word meaning therefore.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, provide hand-over-hand guidance for pencil grip and tracing. Use larger print for the words and allow more time for practice. Focus on one word at a time if necessary.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concept, encourage them to identify these words in simple picture books or create very simple oral sentences using the words (e.g., “Go, go, go!”). They can also practice writing the words multiple times.

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