Word Building and Spelling

Grade 1 · English

Semester 1 | Period 1 | Week 4

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Subject: English

Semester: 1

Period: 1

Week: 4


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 1
Date: Week 4
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 4, Period 1
Topic: Word Building and Spelling
Sub-topic: Reading Sentences, Onset Substitution, Sight Words

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Read short sentences with VC and CVC words
Create new words by changing onsets
Spell VC and CVC words correctly
Read and spell high frequency words: on, yes, no
Understand word study terms: same, match, first, second, last
Write simple sentences neatly on three-line paper

Previous Knowledge
Students can spell VC/CVC words and identify pronouns and nouns.

Instructional Materials
Sentence strips
Flashcards for sight words
Word building cards
Three-line paper

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher writes: “I am a boy.” Learners read together.
Quick oral spelling of sight words from previous week: have, do, of.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

  1. Reading Sentences

Definition & Explanation

  • Sentence reading helps learners practice fluency, phrasing, and comprehension.
  • Sentences combine sight words (high frequency words) and phonics-based words (CVC, VC).

Instruction

Teacher displays short sentences:

  • The cat is on the mat.
  • I am a girl.
  • Learners read in chorus (whole class).
  • Learners read in groups.
  • Learners read individually.

Extra Practice Sentences

  • The dog can run.
  • A man has a bag.
  • It is hot.

 

  1. Onset Substitution

Definition & Explanation

  • Onset = the first sound/letter of a word.
  • Rhyme (or rime) = the rest of the word after the onset.
  • Onset substitution is replacing the first sound to form new words.
  • This skill helps learners decode and spell many words from one rhyme.

Instruction

Teacher writes _at on the board:

  • Add c → cat
  • Add b → bat
  • Add h → hat
  • Add m → mat

Learners practice with:

  • _in → pin, tin, win, fin
  • _op → top, hop, mop, pop

 

  1. Spelling

Definition & Explanation

  • Spelling is writing words correctly by remembering their sounds and letter order.
  • Spelling drills strengthen phonics knowledge, writing confidence, and memory.

Instruction

Teacher calls words: sun, dog, mat, sit.

  • Learners spell aloud.
  • Learners write in books.
  • Peer check spelling (exchange books and mark together).

Extra Spelling Words

  • cup, leg, pen, box

 

  1. High Frequency Words

Definition & Explanation

  • High frequency words are sight words that appear very often in texts.
  • Learners must recognize and read them quickly without sounding out.

Words Introduced

  • on, yes, no

Sentences

  • The book is on the table.
  • Yes, I can run.
  • No, this is not mine.

 

  1. Word Study

Definition & Explanation

  • Same = alike in some way.
  • Match = go together because they are the same or related.
  • First, second, last = order or position in a sequence.

Instruction

Teacher gives examples:

  • Show two red pens → “These are the same.”
  • Show a shoe and a sock → “They match.”
  • Line up three learners → Teacher points: first, second, last.

Extra Examples

  • Shapes: Two circles are the same.
  • Clothes: A shirt and trousers match.
  • Numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in counting.
  1. Handwriting

Definition & Explanation

  • Handwriting means writing neatly, with correct spacing between words.
  • Good spacing makes sentences easy to read.

Instruction

Teacher writes on the board:

  • The sun is hot.

Learners:

  1. Trace in the air.
  2. Copy on three-line paper with proper finger spacing.

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

  • Read simple sentences aloud in pairs.
  • Practice onset substitution to form new CVC words.
  • Spell CVC words in a spelling drill and check in groups.
  • Act out first, second, last by lining up.
  • Match classroom objects that are “same” (two books) or that “go together” (pen and paper).
  • Copy sentences neatly on three-line paper.

 

Assessment Checks (Expanded)

  • Teacher points to a sentence → learner reads it aloud with fluency.
  • Teacher writes _at → learner forms 3 words (cat, mat, hat).
  • Teacher says dog → learner spells orally and writes.
  • Learners use “yes,” “no,” and “on” in short oral sentences.
  • Teacher holds up objects and asks: Are they the same? Do they match?
  • Learners demonstrate first, second, last by lining up.
  • Teacher checks handwriting for correct letter formation and spacing.

 

Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

  • Reading sentences improves fluency and prepares learners for reading longer texts.
  • Onset substitution shows how many words can be created from one rhyme family, strengthening phonics skills.
  • Spelling drills build accuracy and confidence in word writing.
  • High frequency words (on, yes, no) are sight words learners must memorize because they occur in almost every story or text.
  • Same and match teach comparison and relationship.
  • First, second, last teach order, sequencing, and position vocabulary.
  • Handwriting practice with sentences combines phonics, word study, and sentence building into neat written communication.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Teacher reviews sentence reading, spelling, sight words, and word study.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip: Write one new word from onset substitution, spell one CVC word, and write yes or no in a sentence.

Assignment (Expanded):
Write three sentences using CVC words.
Practice the sight words on, yes, no at home.

Follow-up Activity:
Learners play a matching game with onset and rhyme cards.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Struggling learners form words orally with teacher’s help. Advanced learners read longer sentences and write them in their books.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low