Session 18: Articles: a, an, the

Session Title	Discovering Articles: a, an, the
Objective	Understand what articles are and when to use a, an, the. Recognize that articles come before naming words (nouns). Begin forming short sentences using articles correctly.
Concept	Articles are small words used before nouns. a – used before words starting with consonant sounds (e.g., a ball) an – used before words starting with vowel sounds (e.g., an apple) The – used when talking about specific things (e.g., the sun)
Material Required	Picture cards (apple, egg, sun, tree, car, umbrella, etc.) Word strips with blanks Chart paper with 3 columns (a / an / the) Mini sorting mats (for groups) Article labels (a, an, the) Props (optional: small toys or realia)
Methodology	Activity-Based Learning: Hands-on sorting and games Interactive Learning: Group relay and sentence building Visual Learning: Picture-word associations SEL Integration: Pair/group work, praise, encouragement, and reflection
Session Duration	90 Minutes

Introduction Activity (20 minutes)

Guess the Word

Show a picture (e.g., apple) and ask,
“Is it a apple or an apple?”
Guide children to discover vowel/consonant sound rules.
Use a simple article rule chart for reference.
Use real objects or toys to increase engagement.

Mini Speaking Turn
Each child says a sentence:

“I see a tree.”
“He has an umbrella.”
“Look at the sun!”

Explain the sound rule:

Vowel sound = an
Consonant sound = a
Known or one specific = the

Main Activity (50 minutes)

Article Relay (25 minutes)

Objective: Match articles to nouns in an active group game.

Instructions:

Set up two tables: one with pictures, one with articles.

In teams, students:

1. Pick a picture (e.g., elephant).

2. Run to article cards, pick the correct one (an).

3. Say a full sentence: “This is an elephant.”

Points for correct answers!

Examples to Use:

a ball, a dog, a pencil, a pen , a car

an apple, an owl, an umbrella, an elephant , an egg

the sun, the book, the moon, the man, the river

Article Sorting Table (25 minutes)

Objective: Categorize and use articles correctly.

Instructions:

In pairs/groups, give students cards and a 3-column mat (a, an, the).
Sort each word under the right article.
Form short sentences using sorted cards.

Examples to Include:

a tree, a car, a fan

an egg, an ice-cream, an orange

the sky, the moon, the book

Follow-Up Activity (10 minutes)

Fill in the blanks:

___ pencil
___ owl
___ sun
___ egg
___ uniform
___ book

Review Questions/Assessment/Tasks (10 minutes)

What are the three articles we learned today?
When do we use a?
When do we use an?
When do we use the?

Expected Learning Outcome

Knowledge building

Understand that articles are words used before nouns.
Know the rules for using a, an, and the.

Skill Building

Use articles correctly in simple spoken sentences.
Identify which article fits with which word.
Practice teamwork, speaking confidently, and listening respectfully.