Sorting Classroom Objects by Beginning Sound
About this lesson
Children sit in a circle, say the names of everyday classroom objects, listen for the first sound and sort each object under the letter M or S. They practise hearing beginning sounds and linking them to letters. You need about eight small objects and two sticky notes, and it takes about 15 minutes.
- Grade
- Kindergarten
- Subject
- ELA
- Time
- 15 min
- Prep
- 3 min
Objective
Students will identify the beginning sound of a spoken word and match it to the letter M or S.
Prep
3 min: gather 4 objects starting with /m/ and 4 starting with /s/, and write M and S on two sticky notes
Materials
- 2 sticky notes
- 4 small objects that start with /m/ (marker, magnet, mitten, map)
- 4 small objects that start with /s/ (scissors, sock, spoon, sponge)
- a bag or box to hold the objects
Steps
- Gather the children in a circle and stick the M and S notes on the floor in the middle, saying, 'M says /m/ and S says /s/. Let's say them together.'
- Pull one object from the bag and say its name slowly, stretching the first sound, such as 'mmmarker.' Have the class repeat the word and then say only the first sound.
- Invite one child to place the object next to the matching letter while the class shows a thumbs up if they agree. Repeat until all objects are sorted.
- Ask each child to look around the room for one more thing that starts with /m/ or /s/ and whisper it to a partner. Call on a few children to share and point to the matching letter.
- Finish by pointing to each pile and having the class chant the names together, such as 'map, mitten, magnet, marker, all start with /m/.'
Quick Check
Say three new words (moon, sun, mouse) and have children touch their head for /m/ or their shoulders for /s/.
Differentiation
Make it easier: Use only one sound and ask children to decide 'yes, it starts with /m/' or 'no, it does not.'
Make it harder: Add a third letter, such as B, with objects like a block, book and ball.
Good For
- Transition time
- Before lunch
- Supply teacher
- Review
