Teaching the H Sound in English for Spanish Speakers

Introduction

  • Instructor: Teacher Alvalucia Suarez Torres
  • Objective: Teach Spanish-speaking first graders the correct pronunciation of the "h" sound in English.
  • Significance: In Spanish, the "h" is silent, which leads to mispronunciation in English.

Class Start

  • Greeting: Teacher greets students with the word "hello".
    • Modeling: Exaggerate the puff of air while saying "hello" (e.g., "Hello, hello, hello").
    • Student Practice: Students repeat the word focusing on the "h" sound, mimicking the teacher.
    • Hand Demonstration: Students place their hand in front of their mouth to feel the airflow when saying the "h" sound.

Diagram Overview

  • Vocal Tract Diagram: Display it to illustrate airflow during the "h" sound.
    • Reinforcement: Students repeat the exercise while placing their hands in front of their mouths.

Activity: Hot Air

  • Materials Needed: Small piece of paper per student.
  • Instructions:
    • Place paper on the table.
    • Blow air while making the "h" sound (demonstrate movement).
    • Say "hello" during this exercise to reinforce the sound.

Vocabulary Introduction

  • Word List: Present vocabulary words starting with "h" (e.g., house, hat, horse, hand).
    • Repetition: Teacher repeats each word three times:
    • House: "house, house, house"
    • Hat: "hat, hat, hat"
    • Horse: "horse, horse, horse"
    • Hand: "hand, hand, hand"
    • Student Repetition: Students echo the words in unison with the teacher.
    • Integration of Hot Air Activity: Students can use the paper to visualize airflow while saying each word.

Practice Activity

  • Hearing Sounds: Teacher states words, instructing students to clap for words containing the "h" sound (e.g., happy, cat, house, dog, hand, apple).
  • Minimal Pairs Practice: Contrast similar sounds to emphasize pronunciation differences:
    • Examples:
    • Hat / At
    • He / E
    • Hair / Air
    • Heart / Art

Engaging Activity

  • Picture Hunt: Place pictures of objects starting with "h" around the classroom.
    • Instructions: Students find and verbalize the names of the objects, focusing on the "h" sound.
    • Feedback: Provide corrections and assistance as necessary.

Class Conclusion

  • Review: Revisit the "h" sound by having students say "hello" again.
    • Reminder: Emphasize the importance of puffing air for the "h" sound.
    • Encouragement: Urge students to practice at home.

Assessment

  • Observation: Assess students during activities based on their participation and pronunciation accuracy.

Final Thoughts

  • Closing Statement: Thank the students and indicate the usefulness of the lesson.