Module 5: The Letter Ss-Language Arts K - Course Guide
Module Overview:
In this module, learners will explore the letter Ss, practicing the /s/ sound with correct mouth formation and learning how to write the letter properly. They will recognize high-frequency words such as “so,” “say,” and “see.” Learners will build phonemic awareness by blending phonemes, combining onset and rime, and identifying alliteration in words. They will also identify the setting of a story and begin constructing complete sentences, focusing on starting with uppercase letters and using ear spelling. New vocabulary will be introduced and applied to strengthen language and comprehension skills.
Module Materials:
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Material(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.1 Letter Ss |
a small mirror Sound Notebook Words of the Week Notebook crayons or colored pencils (assorted colors) |
| 2 | 5.2 Letter Ss | None |
| 3 | 5.3 Letter Ss |
Handwriting Notebook a bag objects that begin with the /s/ phoneme |
| 4 | 5.4 Letter Ss | None |
| 5 | 5.5 Letter Ss |
Handwriting Notebook Writing Notebook a small mirror |
Module Objectives:
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Objective(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.1 Letter Ss |
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| 2 | 5.2 Letter Ss |
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| 3 | 5.3 Letter Ss |
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| 4 | 5.4 Letter Ss |
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| 5 | 5.5 Letter Ss |
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Module Key Words:
| Key Words | Words of the Week | Vocabulary Words |
|---|---|---|
|
letter Ss fricative unvoiced consonant phoneme blending story setting alliteration ear spelling capitalization blending sounds |
so see say |
summer slip edge muddy |
Module Assignments:
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Page # | Assignment Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.1 Letter Ss | 8 | Handwriting |
| 2 | 5.2 Letter Ss | 8 | Writing |
| 4 | 5.4 Letter Ss | 8 | Comprehension |
| 5 | 5.5 Letter Ss | 7 | Writing and Handwriting |
Learning Coach Notes:
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.1 Letter Ss | Your learner will learn all about the letter Ss today, including how it is classified on the Sound Wall. Prompt your learner to practice making this sound often throughout the day. Check to be sure they are producing the sound correctly because this can be a difficult sound. Use the Make the Sound video and a mirror to help your child spend extra time with this sound. As new vocabulary words are introduced, ask your learner what they already know about the words and discuss! |
| 2 | 5.2 Letter Ss | Continue reinforcing the letter and sound of the week by asking your learner questions like: “What is your new letter this week? What sound does the letter Ss make? Can you write the uppercase/lowercase letter Ss in the air? What is the difference between the uppercase S and the lowercase s?” Practice blending phonemes throughout the day by saying three phonemes in a CVC word and asking your learner to blend them into a word. Allow time for your child to explore the alliteration book by listening to the book as many times as their interest lasts. Reinforce the idea of alliteration by pointing out when you hear it or produce it. |
| 3 | 5.3 Letter Ss | Practice blending the onset and the rime in words by providing those for your learner to blend. Encourage your child to use hand motions to blend the sounds. Give your learner the beginning, middle, and ending sounds in words to blend and help them determine which hand motion strategy helps them blend sounds the best. Encourage your learner to use that motion each time they practice blending. As you read aloud stories together, ask what the story setting is. |
| 4 | 5.4 Letter Ss | As your learner practices ear spelling today, be aware that the word will be spelled “wrong” according to the rules of correct spelling. However, the goal of ear spelling is not correct spelling, but rather using what students know about letters and sounds to make the connection on their own. This is an important skill for students to practice, and it is one that will grow with them as their understanding and learning continue. Help your learner focus on listening to the sounds and writing the letters they know that go with those sounds. Correct spelling is not the goal! |
| 5 | 5.5 Letter Ss | Provide extra time for your learner to explore the Letter Ss book today. After listening to the story, encourage your child to read the words he or she knows on each page. This can help to boost reading confidence because words in the story are familiar. It also provides a great way for your learner to practice the Words of the Week in a fun way. |
Module Guiding Questions:
When a student starts a lesson ask them questions to check for prior knowledge and understanding and to review concepts being taught. At the end of the lesson ask the questions again to see if their answer changes.
| Lesson Title | Question |
|---|---|
| 5.1 Letter Ss |
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| 5.2 Letter Ss |
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| 5.3 Letter Ss |
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| 5.4 Letter Ss |
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Module Video Questions:
When a student watches a video take time to ask them questions about what they watched. Suggested questions for the videos in this module are listed here. Suggestion: Have the student watch the entire video first all the way through. Then have them watch the video a second time, as they watch it pause the video and ask the questions.
| Lesson Title | Video | Question |
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Module Suggested Read Aloud Books:
Take time to read to your student or have them read aloud to you. Read a different book each day. While reading the book point out concepts being taught. You may purchase these books or find them at your local library. Suggested things to discuss while reading the book:
- What is the main idea?
- What are three things new you learned?
- How does this book relate to what you are learning about?
| # | Book | Author | Lexile Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scaredy Squirrel | Melanie Watt | AD560L |
| 2 | Strega Nona | Tomie DePaola | AD730L |
| 3 | Stone Soup | Marcia Brown | AD550L |
| 4 | The Sneetches | Dr. Seuss | NP |
| 5 | Spiders Are Not Insects | Allan Fowler | 550L |
Module Outing:
Take some time to apply what your student is learning to the real world. Suggested outings are below.
| # | Outing |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ss is for snakes, sailing, stars, and superheroes! This week there are many options for outings. Take your learner someplace where they can get an up-close look at snakes, such as a nature center or zoo. If you live near a river or lake, go for a visit and search for sailboats, or take some toy sailboats to float. If you have a planetarium near you, take your student to view the night sky and view any special programs they offer on the stars. Another possible outing will be to see if your local library or bookstore is doing any special events with superheroes that you could take your learner to. While on your excursion, have your students draw or write down other things they see that start with Ss. |