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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

1. Introduction & Engagement Activity (25 minutes)

Activity Name: “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 Topic/ Activity


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

an apple, an owl, an umbrella

the sun, the book, the moon


Article Sorting Table (30 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


Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 minutes)

Review Questions:


  • 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.


Review Questions/Assessment/Tasks 

Fill in the blanks:


  • ___ pencil

  • ___ owl

  • ___ sun



Follow up Tasks

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