1. ESL Lesson Plans
  2. Adult Beginner

Alphabet (Phonics) and spelling

Exclusive
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Adult Beginner
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
New to English
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
45-60 min
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Low-Resource
Print pdf version of this low-resource ESL lesson plan
Download lesson plan

Overview

This lesson focuses on the phonic sounds of the English alphabet and how they may differ from the sounds students have previously associated with these letters. By understanding and practising these sounds, students will improve their pronunciation, reading, and spelling abilities, forming a solid foundation for their English language journey.

It includes a couple of optional warm-up activities that tie in with previous lessons, reinforcing what students have been learning on the course. For teachers who are new or looking for extra guidance, we've included notes on suggested boardwork. The lesson plan also offers a range of ESL activities that give students ample practice with the alphabet and spelling. And, to end the lesson on a fun note, we've incorporated a classroom game idea that will help cement the day's learning in a relaxed, enjoyable way.

Lesson Outline
Warm-up
1Giving personal info
2Alphabet drill
Activities
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Boardwork
1Some simple spelling
2Spelling duel
3Alphabet catch
Low-resource ESL lesson plan homework
Homework
Games
1Human dictionary
Print pdf version of this low-resource ESL lesson plan
Download Lesson Plan
Unlock this low-resource ESL lesson plan
Become a Member

Warmers

Low-resource ESL activity

Giving personal info

The students have to produce full-sentence answers to the interview questions from a previous lesson.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL activity

Alphabet drill

The students rehearse a quick drill of the alphabet.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.

Classroom activities

Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Use of the board

Introduce and step through the phonic alphabet on the board to familiarise the letter sounds to your students.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL activity

Some simple spelling

For this first activity, the students will have to read and spell words from the board.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL activity

Spelling duel

The students will challenge each other to spell different words from the board in this pair-work speaking activity.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL activity

Alphabet catch

The students throw an object around the room while challenging each other on their vocabulary and spelling.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Suggested homework

Give the class a video suggestion to practice alphabet and letter sounds.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.

Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

Human dictionary

Teams race to think of as many words as possible that begin with a given letter of the alphabet.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.