HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN VOWELS AND CONSONANTS
Before the rules for the sounds are taken up, it will be necessary that the pupils know how to distinguish the vowels from the consonants.
Have the vowels on the board, also lists of words, and drill on finding the vowels in the lists. The teacher says, "These letters are called vowels." "How many vowels are there?" "Find a vowel in this word"—pointing to one of the words in the lists. As the pupil finds it he says, "This is a vowel." Find the vowels in all the words in the lists.
PHONICS AND LANGUAGE
When the vowels and consonants can be distinguished, pupils can be taught the use of the articles "a" and "an".
"An" is used before words beginning with vowels; "a" before words beginning with consonants. Lists of words are placed on the board to be copied, and the proper article supplied.
| apple | ball | |
| stem | eye | |
| peach | owl | |
| orange | flower | |
| table | uncle | |
| ink-stand |
Use the article "the" with the same list of words in oral expression, pronouncing "the" with the long sound of "e" before words beginning with vowels, as "The apple," "The ink-stand."
The apple is on the table.
The peach is ripe.
The flower and the orange are for you.
The owl has bright eyes.
The ice is smooth and hard.
Grandfather sits in the arm chair.
Is the envelope sealed?
The old man leans on the cane.
RULES OR REASONS FOR SOUNDS