Write the various vowel pronunciation symbols on the whiteboard and give each student a worksheet with the same information. Include several words that use each vowel sound on the worksheet. For example, when writing an “a” with nothing above it, students first pronounce the short “a” sound several times, then name some words with the sound such as “bat,” “camp” and “lap.” Point out that the sound is common in words where a consonant surrounds the vowel and where no other vowels appear in the syllable. Continue this process with all other vowel sounds. Review the sounds every day until the students can identify each vowel sound correctly.
Divide the class into small groups of three or four students. Give each group a student dictionary and instruct the students to look at the dictionary’s pronunciation key. Explain that they can always refer to the key to review how to pronounce various symbols. Provide each group with a different list of unfamiliar words to look up in the dictionary. Direct the groups to learn to pronounce each word and define it. Instruct students to group the words with similar vowel sounds together. Have each group present their word list to the class.
Direct students to break spelling or vocabulary words on a worksheet into syllables. Have the students look for the vowels to determine how each word breaks apart. Mark the syllables in each word and write the word phonetically like words found in the dictionary. Group students in pairs with a dictionary and the completed worksheets to check the answers. Encourage the paired students to practice speaking each word quietly to practice the phonetic skills.
Suggest students try to pronounce words in chunks. Begin by working with familiar prefixes and suffixes. Have students identify the affixes and use them to divide the words into syllables. Encourage students to experiment with the unfamiliar parts to find the probable pronunciation. Affirm a student’s willingness to try, even if the student doesn’t successfully pronounce the word. Provide the correct pronunciation when the student fails to do so on his own.