step009.htm/01OCT2001

Step 9, 10

Learn the letters v, n.

Set out the alphabet, and put out the 8 small letter‑cards.( c, a, t, d, o, g, f, x) Revise their sound.

Learn v,n. V is the shape of a valley. Explain what valleys are, find a picture of one. We go

up a mountain and down the other side, and the point is at the top. Between two mountains,

you go down to the river at the bottom, down into a valley, and up the next mountain.

A valley is, in a way, the opposite of a mountain, and it has the point at the bottom. The point should be a point, and not a curve. The v is made of two straight lines, down‑up. Show how knowing two more letters gives access to more words: can nan nag not fan tan and. Let the learner build up those words by picking out the right letters from the alphabet board as you say each word, to make the word and then replacing them on the alphabet board.

Get the pupil to sound the phonics v, n.

Have the pupil practice writing the letters v and n, first, using the dot to dot guide above, then on lined paper.

Get the pupil to sound the sounds of the words can nan nag not fan tan and.