Controlling R: Learning About 'Ar,' 'Or,' and 'Er' Sounds

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 1:51 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

This lesson uses the 'Controlling r Song' video to introduce Pre-K students to the concept of 'controlling r' and how the letter 'r' changes the sound of vowels when it follows them. Students will learn to identify and pronounce 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er' sounds in words.

Video Resource

Controlling r Song - Preschool Prep Company

Preschool Prep Company

Duration: 1:51
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Controlling R: The letter 'r' changes the sound of the vowel it follows.
  • Ar Sound: 'ar' makes the 'ar' sound as in 'car.'
  • Or Sound: 'or' makes the 'or' sound as in 'corn.'
  • Er Sound: 'er,' 'ir,' and 'ur' make the 'er' sound as in 'her.'

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er' sounds in spoken words.
  • Students will be able to pronounce words containing 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er' sounds.
  • Students will understand that the letter 'r' can change the sound of a vowel.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know the letter 'r' and what sound it usually makes. Explain that sometimes 'r' is 'controlling' and changes the sound of the vowel next to it. Introduce the concept of the 'controlling r'.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the 'Controlling r Song - Preschool Prep Company' video. Encourage students to sing along and pay attention to the words containing 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er'.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, ask students what sounds they heard. Focus on the 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er' sounds. Write examples on a whiteboard or large paper for visual reinforcement.
  • Sound Practice (10 mins)
    Practice saying words with 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er' sounds. Use flashcards with pictures of words like 'car,' 'star,' 'corn,' 'fork,' 'her,' 'bird,' and 'turn.' Have students repeat the words after you.
  • Activity: Sound Sort (10 mins)
    Provide students with pictures of various objects. Have them sort the pictures into three groups: 'ar' sound, 'or' sound, and 'er' sound. Provide assistance as needed.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Review the 'ar,' 'or,' and 'er' sounds. Sing the 'Controlling r Song' again as a closing activity.

Interactive Exercises

  • Sound Matching Game
    Create cards with words and corresponding pictures. Students match the word to the picture based on the 'ar,' 'or,' or 'er' sound.
  • 'R' is Controlling! Act It Out!
    Act out being 'controlling r'. How would 'r' tell the other letters what to do?

Discussion Questions

  • What sound does 'ar' make in the word 'car'?
  • Can you think of another word that has the 'or' sound like in 'corn'?
  • What letters make the 'er' sound like in 'her'?

Skills Developed

  • Phonological Awareness
  • Sound Recognition
  • Vocabulary Development
  • Active Listening

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which word has the 'ar' sound like in 'car'?

Correct Answer: Star

Question 2:

Which word has the 'or' sound like in 'corn'?

Correct Answer: Fork

Question 3:

Which word has the 'er' sound like in 'her'?

Correct Answer: Bird

Question 4:

What sound does 'ar' make?

Correct Answer: /ar/

Question 5:

What sound does 'or' make?

Correct Answer: /or/

Question 6:

What sound does 'er' make?

Correct Answer: /er/

Question 7:

Which picture shows something that makes an 'ar' sound?

Correct Answer: A picture of a car

Question 8:

Which of these words ends with 'r' and is a color?

Correct Answer: Red

Question 9:

What letter is making the vowel change the sound?

Correct Answer: R

Question 10:

Which of these animals can fly and has the 'er' sound?

Correct Answer: Bird

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The 'r' is _________!

Correct Answer: controlling

Question 2:

'Ar' makes the sound like in _________.

Correct Answer: car

Question 3:

'Or' makes the sound like in _________.

Correct Answer: corn

Question 4:

'Er' makes the sound like in _________.

Correct Answer: her

Question 5:

A place where cows are often found is a _____.

Correct Answer: farm

Question 6:

A _____ can play music with a loud sound.

Correct Answer: horn

Question 7:

When it rains, the ground can get covered in _____.

Correct Answer: dirt

Question 8:

At night, we can look up and see a shining _____.

Correct Answer: star

Question 9:

A farmer might have a _____ to store their hay.

Correct Answer: barn

Question 10:

Some people like to drink juice from a _____.

Correct Answer: jar

Educational Standards

PK.2.PWS.3:Students will produce some sounds represented by letters. PK.4.R.3:Students will begin to acquire new vocabulary and relate new words to prior knowledge. PK.2.F.2:Students will chorally recite familiar texts (e.g., rhymes, songs, poetry, etc.). PK.1.L.1:Students will actively listen using agreed-upon rules with prompting.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans