Heart Words Adventure

Overview

Grade: 1
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 16 students
Unit: Phonics Fun Adventure (Lesson 3 of 7)
Topic: Heart Words: from and very
Subject: English Language Arts (ELA)
Curriculum Focus: Alberta K-3 English Language Arts (EL1.2, EL1.3)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Recognize the irregular high-frequency ‘heart words’ from and very in print and context.
• Use the words from and very accurately in oral and written language.
• Locate these heart words in age-appropriate texts to support reading fluency and comprehension.
• Create a visual aid/poster demonstrating understanding of heart words as ‘words you can’t sound out completely’ (irregular words).

Alberta Curriculum Connections

• ELA 1.3: Students demonstrate understanding of print concepts and phonetic knowledge: Identify “heart words” that do not follow regular phonetic rules.
• ELA 1.4: Students read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of texts: Locate key words in text and use context to support understanding.
• ELA 1.2: Students use writing and other forms of representation to communicate: Use learned words in writing and presentations.

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Materials Needed

• Printed word search sheets containing from, very, and other simple heart words (was, said, come, etc.)
• Large chart paper and markers
• Picture books or short texts containing the target words (e.g., “Very Hungry Caterpillar”, simple storybooks)
• Sticky notes or word cards with from and very
• Crayons, coloured markers, scissors, glue sticks
• Student whiteboards and dry-erase markers (optional)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge of heart words and introduce from and very.

• Gather students in a circle. Review what ‘heart words’ are: “These are words we know by heart because they don’t sound the way we expect!”
• Show word cards for from and very. Sound out aloud and explain why they are tricky (e.g., from has the silent ‘r’ sound).
• Say sentences aloud: “I come from school.” “She is very happy.” Have students repeat the sentences emphasizing the heart words.
• Write from and very on the board, pointing out each letter.

2. Word Search Exploration (12 minutes)

Objective: Identify from and very within printed text and increase word recognition accuracy.

• Hand out word search sheets to students (4 per table).
• Students will look for from and very among other heart words.
• Circulate and help students tap and sound out the words, while emphasizing recognising them by sight quickly.
• Once found, ask students to read the word aloud and use it in a short sentence orally (with teacher support).
• Suggest that they highlight or circle those words in different colours.

3. Heart Word Hunt in Books (7 minutes)

Objective: Apply word recognition in context within books.

• Split class into pairs; provide a small picture book or text with the target heart words.
• Students hunt for from and very in the texts and mark the pages with sticky notes.
• Teacher supports pronunciation and discusses where the words appear and what they mean in context.

4. Create a Heart Words Poster (5 minutes)

Objective: Solidify retention by creating a colourful visual reference.

• On large chart paper, create a poster titled "Heart Words from and very".
• Invite 4 students to help write the words in colourful markers.
• Students decorate around the words with pictures or drawings of things that relate to the words (e.g., a heart, a candy from a friend, something very big).
• Poster will remain displayed for ongoing reference during the unit.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Observe student participation and ability to identify the target words during word search and book hunt activities.
• Confirm students’ ability to orally use from and very in sentences.
• Collect and review word search sheets for correct identification.
• Listen during poster creation for correct spelling and recognition.
• Informal formative assessment to guide next lessons in the unit.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students needing support:
  Provide one-on-one assistance with word search and partner them with a stronger reader. Use multisensory approaches (writing words in sand trays or air writing).
• For advanced learners:
  Introduce sentences incorporating the heart words and encourage them to write simple sentences using from and very.
• Incorporate Technology:
  Use tablets or smartboards to do an interactive group word search or digital matching game if available.

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Extensions (Optional at Home or Later)

• Send home a mini word search or heart words flashcards with parents to reinforce practise.
• Encourage students to find these words in books at home or in the library.

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This lesson thoughtfully combines phonics, sight word recognition, reading comprehension, and creative expression aligned with Alberta’s ELA curriculum. It supports active engagement with heart words that are foundational for fluent reading and writing in Grade 1 learners.