Introduce silent-letter words

Activity Type: Introduce

Activity Form: Standard

Grade: 1

Group Size: Small Group, Whole Class

Length: 8 minutes

Materials: Silent-letter word index cards (print them here)

Goal: Given a written word with a silent letter, the student can say the word ( lamb -> "lamb" ).

Items: lamb, sock, knee, neck, bomb, knot, wrap

What to do

Write the word lamb on the board or use an index card (here). Here's a weird word. It's weird because it has a letter that stays silent when you read it. Sound it out with me: lllaaammm-b. Now say the word fast: lam-b. That can't be right. It's not lam-b, it's lamb. A baby sheep is called a lamb. The b keeps silent.
Let's try another word that has a silent letter. We'll sound it out, figure out which is the silent letter, and then say it fast. My turn first. Show students the word sock. Sssoooc-k. Hmm. This word has two letters that make the /k/ sound at the end. I think one of them is silent. I think the word is: sock.
Now your turn. Show students the word knee. Sound out this word. Ready? Students: k-nnneee. Which letter do you think is silent? Students: k. Now say it fast. Students: knee. Good!
Repeat with neck, bomb, knot, wrap.
Watch for students who are not joining in and give them an individual turn. If they continue to struggle, make a note in an Activity Log.