Phonics Practice: M–P Words and Question Words for Kids
English Studies – Primary 1 Second Term Lesson Notes (Week 6)
Subject: English Studies
Class: Primary 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 6
Age: 6 years
Topic: Phonics (Pronunciation of M–P Words)
Sub-topic: Structure — Further Practice on Asking Questions
Duration: 40 Minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Recognize and pronounce words beginning with the letters M, N, O, and P correctly.
- Identify and write at least two examples of words starting with each of the letters M–P.
- Understand how to form simple questions using what, who, can, shall, and will.
- Use question words correctly in short sentences.
- Speak confidently while practicing M–P sound pronunciation.
- Differentiate between letters and their initial sounds.
- Construct meaningful sentences using given question words.
- Respond appropriately to simple classroom questions.
- Develop correct spelling and sound recognition.
- Demonstrate confidence and fluency during oral drills.
Keywords and Meanings
- Phonics – The sound of letters in words.
- Pronunciation – The correct way of saying words.
- Sound – The noise made when we speak a word.
- Letter – A symbol used in writing words (e.g., M, N, O, P).
- Word – A group of letters that has meaning.
- Question – A sentence that asks for information.
- Who – A question word used to ask about a person.
- What – A question word used to ask about things.
- Can – A word used to show ability or permission.
- Shall/Will – Words used to show future actions or intentions.
Set Induction (Attention-Grabbing Story)
The teacher begins with a lively story:
“One morning, Musa met Ngozi in the school garden. Musa said, ‘What is your name?’ Ngozi smiled and replied, ‘My name is Ngozi.’ Then he asked, ‘Can you water the flowers?’ She said, ‘Yes, I can!’ The teacher smiled because they used their question words correctly.”
The teacher then asks pupils:
- Who was talking?
- What did Musa ask?
- Can you make a question too?
Entry Behaviour
Pupils can already pronounce some English words beginning with letters A–L and form short sentences.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Flashcards of letters M–P
- Picture charts showing objects like mango, nest, orange, pen
- Word strips for question words (who, what, can, shall, will)
- Chalkboard, marker, and sound cards
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds pupils of their previous lesson on his/her and synonyms/antonyms/homophones, explaining that today they will learn new sounds (M–P) and how to ask questions using simple English.
Embedded Core Skills
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Listening and Speaking
- Writing Skills
- Problem Solving
Reference Books
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary 1 English Studies
- NERDC English Studies Curriculum
- Bright English for Primary Schools (Book 1)
- English Grammar Made Simple for Kids by Jide Adebayo
Instructional Materials
- Flashcards, phonics charts, and sound mats
- Question word posters
- Audio sounds (optional)
- Chalkboard illustrations
Lesson Presentation
Step 1: Revision
The teacher revises the previous lesson on pronunciation and the use of his and her.
Step 2: Introduction
The teacher writes the letters M, N, O, P on the board and pronounces them clearly.
Pupils repeat the sounds after the teacher.
Step 3: Explanation and Examples
A. Phonics: Pronouncing M–P Words
The teacher explains that every word begins with a sound, and each letter has its own sound.
Examples:
- M: Mango, Mat, Milk, Money, Man
- N: Nest, Nail, Net, Name, Nose
- O: Orange, Onion, Oil, Oven, Ox
- P: Pen, Pig, Pot, Palm, Pan
The teacher writes the examples on the board and asks pupils to repeat them slowly and clearly.
B. Structure: Asking Questions Using What, Who, Can, Shall, and Will
The teacher explains that question words are used to ask for information.
Examples:
- What is your name?
- Who is your teacher?
- Can you sing a song?
- Shall we go out to play?
- Will you come to school tomorrow?
The teacher emphasizes correct tone and punctuation when asking questions.
Teacher’s Activities
- Pronounce each word and ask pupils to repeat.
- Write examples on the board.
- Demonstrate how to form simple questions using flashcards.
- Engage pupils in a pronunciation chant:
“M for Mango, N for Nest, O for Orange, P for Pen!”
- Correct pupils’ pronunciation and guide them in forming sentences.
Learners’ Activities
- Listen and repeat sounds after the teacher.
- Say two words each beginning with M, N, O, and P.
- Fill in question word blanks on the board.
- Practice asking and answering simple questions in pairs.
- Write two sentences using who, what, or can in their notebooks.
Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs with Answers)
- Q: What sound does the letter M make?
A: “mmm” - Q: Give one word that begins with M.
A: Mango. - Q: What is a question word?
A: A word used to ask something. - Q: Give two examples of question words.
A: What, Who. - Q: What word starts with P?
A: Pen. - Q: What does “Can” mean?
A: It shows ability or permission. - Q: Give an example of a question using “What.”
A: What is your name? - Q: What does “Who” ask about?
A: A person. - Q: What letter comes after O?
A: P. - Q: Say one question using “Will.”
A: Will you come tomorrow?
Evaluation Questions
A. Multiple Choice (Choose the correct answer)
- The word mango begins with letter ______.
a) N b) M c) P - The sound of N is ______.
a) en b) em c) oh - The word pen begins with ______.
a) P b) N c) M - Who is used to ask about a ______.
a) Thing b) Place c) Person - What is used to ask about a ______.
a) Place b) Thing c) Name - Can shows ______.
a) Ability b) Colour c) Number - Will means ______.
a) Past b) Future c) Food - The word orange starts with letter ______.
a) O b) P c) N - The opposite of answer is ______.
a) Speak b) Ask c) Call - Shall we go out? is a ______.
a) Question b) Story c) Command
B. Short Answer Questions
- Write two words that begin with M.
- Write two words that begin with N.
- Write two words that begin with O.
- Write two words that begin with P.
- What does Who mean?
- What does What mean?
- Make a question using Can.
- Make a question using Will.
- What is the sound of letter M?
- Say one question word.
Conclusion
The teacher revises all sounds and question words taught. Pupils repeat after the teacher, and the teacher goes around to mark and give positive feedback.
Internal Links:
- Primary 1 Second Term English Studies Lesson Notes | Singular and Plural Objects
- Primary 1 English Second Term Lesson Note | Phonics, Adjectives & Composition
- Phonics Practice: Using His and Her – Synonyms, Antonyms & Homophones | Lessonshabitat
External Links:
