How to Teach Consonants – Consonants 2

Wondering how to teach consonants to your students? This free phonics lesson introduces students to the postalveolar, retroflex, palatal, velar, and glottal consonants. It is one of many free phonics lessons within the Off2Class Foundational Literacy Curriculum.

We’ve made these lessons free and downloadable because we want to help teachers address the literacy gaps that are often present across several secondary EL student populations. Many districts face challenges when addressing literacy gaps with secondary ELs because most existing interventions are designed for younger learners and native English speakers. Off2Class offers an age-appropriate scope and sequence designed to address the literacy gaps that might be present in any subset of the secondary EL population. Addressing these gaps targets a key blocker that is often limiting a learner’s English proficiency gains.

When should you teach this free lesson on consonants?

Phonics lessons like this one that introduce consonants are designed specifically for secondary ELs. They are not adapted from something that’s focused on younger learners or native speakers. They are aligned with the Science of Reading and they work for any students who need to build literacy. However, they are especially helpful for newcomers, Long-term ELs, and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE).

LS.1.4: Consonants 2 (WIDA: Pre-Entering)

At the end of this lesson, students can distinguish between postalveolar, retroflex, palatal, velar, and glottal consonants and produce an anchor word for each.

Download the lesson here:

Looking for more lessons on how to teach consonants?

Did you enjoy this lesson?

If so, you may also enjoy the corresponding lesson on the bilabial, labiodental, dental, and alveolar consonants.

Also, 24+ free foundational literacy lessons are available when you sign up for a free Off2Class account. We designed these lesson plans to help save you time. Along with the free lessons, we also offer many other resources, training, and content to help you succeed.