Blends Introduction

WALT

We Are Learning To:

• Understand what blends are
• Identify common blends at the beginning and end of words
• Recognise blends through interactive, multisensory activities

National Curriculum Links

• English - Reading:
  Pupils should be taught to:
  • Apply phonic knowledge and skills as the route to decode words (Year 2 Programme of Study: Reading - Word Reading)
  • Read accurately by blending sounds in unfamiliar words containing GPCs that have been taught (Year 2)
• English - Writing:
  • Develop spelling skills using phonics knowledge (Year 2)

Note: Although this is designed for Primary 3-4 (ages 7-9), the activity scaffolding supports learners still consolidating Year 2 phonics content, which is appropriate for this age range.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what a blend is.
• I can hear and spot blends in words.
• I can read words containing blends aloud with support.
• I can write a simple word that uses a blend.

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Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Blend flashcards (e.g., bl, st, gr, tr, pl, fl, cr, dr, sp, sl)
• Word cards with blends and pictures
• Magnetic letters or letter tiles
• Dyslexia-friendly printed workbook sheets with large font and clear spacing
• Audio recording clips pronouncing blends and blend words
• Mini whiteboards and pens for students

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Lesson Breakdown (30 minutes)

1. Introduction to Blends (5 minutes)

• Teacher explains blends: "When two consonants come together, and you can still hear both sounds clearly – that’s a blend."
• Show flashcards of blends. Teacher pronounces each clearly, emphasising both consonants.
• Ask students to repeat blends chorally.

2. Blend Listening Activity (5 minutes)

• Play recorded audio clips of blends + words with blends (e.g., "fl," "flag," "bl," "black").
• Students listen and raise hands when they hear a blend.
• Pause to discuss where the blend is in the word (beginning, middle, end).

Differentiation:

• For students needing more support, provide visual cues on flashcards with pictures.
• For advanced learners, challenge them to come up with other words containing the same blend.

3. Blend Sorting Game (10 minutes)

• Divide students into 4 groups (5 per group).
• Give each group flashcards with a mix of words—some with blends and some without.
• Groups sort words into "Blend" and "No Blend" piles on a table.
• Walk around, support, and ask questions to reinforce understanding.

Differentiation:

• For SEND pupils, provide word-picture cards to aid comprehension.
• For advanced pupils, ask them to sort blends further based on the type (e.g., blends at the start vs. blends at the end).

4. Writing and Reading Blends (8 minutes)

• On mini whiteboards, write simple words containing blends (e.g., "flag," "trip," "stop").
• Students read aloud with teacher support.
• Then students attempt to write a new word with a blend using magnetic letters or tiles.
• Students share their words with the class.

Dyslexia-friendly option:

• Students use worksheets with blends highlighted and supported by visuals.
• Use coloured overlays if needed to reduce visual stress.

5. Reflection and Review (2 minutes)

• Recap: Ask students to say what a blend is and give an example.
• Check success criteria by thumbs-up/thumbs-down quick assessment:
  • Who can explain a blend?
  • Who can spot blends in words?
  • Who can write a word with a blend?

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Extension Activities

• Advanced learners write a short sentence or story using at least three words with different blends.
• Create a "blend treasure hunt" by finding real objects or pictures around the classroom or school beginning with blends.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation during sorting, reading aloud, and writing activities.
• Use success criteria for self-assessment.
• Teacher notes on students who require further blended sound support.

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Differentiation Summary

Learner Type	Strategy	Resources
EAL learners	Use visuals and speak slowly with repetition	Picture cards, flashcards
SEND/dyslexic	Use dyslexia-friendly fonts, coloured overlays, tactile letters	Dyslexia-friendly sheets, magnetic letters
Advanced learners	Provide extended word lists and sentence writing challenges	Challenge cards, writing prompts

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This introduction lesson sets a firm foundation for the 16-lesson unit "Blends and Digraphs Mastery," aligning to the National Curriculum’s emphasis on phonics, decoding, and spelling development. The multisensory and collaborative activities ensure engagement and retention for diverse learners within the 30-minute time frame.