An Exercise in Phonetics by Jessie Young

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1908

An Exercise in Phonetics

By Jessie Young

The sounds of the letters may be made into an interesting drill for an exercise given by the school.

Select the proper number of pupils, giving one all of the sounds of a, another e, and so on with each of the vowels; to another the diphthongs; give to another the sounds of c and g; to another the different sounds of ch, sh, th, etc. While listening to each other drill, each learns all the sounds.

Where there is ample blackboard space, the class may be taught to pass to the board in exact order, keeping step, facing about, writing and marking their letters, standing in position to the right, so those observing may see the letters, erasing, turning, and sitting in such perfect order that the movements will be looked on with pleasure.

Before passing the class to the front, it is well for the teacher to give a little talk on the importance of teaching phonetics. When the pupils are ready, the one at the head gives the sounds of a in clear, distinct tones, pointing to the different markings. Then follows e, i, o, u, etc., in the same manner until the last. Let them exchange letters in the practise, and they will soon be able to give all the sounds, which they once looked on as being a great task.

When board space is not accessible, cardboard (six by eighteen) may be used for each pupil, putting large letters on with ink.

Have class pass with the cards in the left hand at the side; at the signal each pupil raises the card to his breast so the visitors may see; have the pupil point to the letters as he gives the sound.

MRS. JESSIE YOUNG.