HOW TO TEACH ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION FOR ALL LEVELS (Mr. Hung)
Beginner level English learners
Important point:
1. Syllable stress-Students need to understand that polysyllabic words require syllable stress. Point out common syllable stress patterns. 2. Voiced and unvoiced consonants-Tells you the difference between voiced and unvoiced consonants. Show the difference by letting the student touch the throat and noting the difference between "z" and "s" and "f" and "v". 3. Silent Letters-Point out examples of silent words, such as the "b" in the past "comb" of a normal verb, or the end of a "-ed". 4. Silent Final E-Tells you about the effects of Final Silent "e", which generally lengthens vowels. Be sure to point out that there are many exceptions to this rule (drive and live). Discussion:
At the first level, English learners need to focus on the basics of pronunciation. In general, it is best to use memorization at this level. For example, using grammar chants is a great way to help students learn pronunciation skills over and over again. Teaching the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is too difficult at this point, as learners are already overwhelmed by the challenge of learning a language. Learning another alphabet for pronunciation is beyond the capabilities of most beginner-level English learners. Certain patterns, such as English silent letters and past tense -ed pronunciation, are good starting points for future pronunciation practice. Students also need to learn the difference between voiced and unvoiced consonants. Pronunciation activity for beginners
• Slap words! -A fun game for learners who challenge to associate words written on the walls of the classroom. In this exercise, you will strengthen your pronunciation patterns during fun and competitive activities.
• Read and Rhyme – A rhyming game where students have to find words that rhyme with others on the card. Intermediate level English learners
Important point:
1. Using Minimal Pairs-Understanding the small differences in pronunciation between similar words is a great way for students to find those differences. 2. Word stress patterns-Allow students to improve their pronunciation by focusing on short sentences with standard word stress patterns.
3. Introducing Strength and Intonation-One of the best ways to help students is to focus on English music through strength and intonation.
Advanced pronunciation activity
• IPA Symbol Deck – This deck helps students learn phonetic symbols. The website contains maps that you can print out and use in class.
• Tongue Twister-
Classic English tongue to help students focus on some of the more challenging phonemes.
Advanced level English learners
Important point:
1. Deepen your understanding of strength and intonation-Deepen your understanding of strength and intonation by changing the strength and meaning of a particular word. 2. Use of Registers and Features-Introduces the idea of changing pronunciation depending on how formal or informal the situation is.
Improving pronunciation with a focus on stress and intonation is one of the best ways for intermediate to advanced English learners to improve. At this level, students will familiarize themselves with the basics of each phoneme using exercises such as minimal pairing and individual syllable stress. However, learners of English at this level often focus too much on the correct pronunciation of each word rather than the music of each sentence. To introduce the concept of stress and intonation and the role it plays in understanding, students first need to understand the role of content and function words. Please refer to this stress and intonation practice lesson. Second, students need to learn how to use solid scripts. This is a way to mark the text in preparation for reading aloud. Finally, senior students should be able to change the meaning by the stress of the words in the sentence in order to emphasize the contextual meaning through pronunciation. Advanced pronunciation activity
• IPA Transcription Lessons – Lessons focused on increasing student familiarity with IPA to focus on connected speech topics in English. • Fluent Pronunciation Practice – Make your pronunciation fun with these clever ideas.t