Exploring the Letter X with Music!

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 2:17 Video

Lesson Description

A fun, interactive lesson using the 'Letter X Song' to introduce the letter X, its sounds, and words that contain it. We'll sing, dance, and explore the world of 'X'!

Video Resource

"The Letter X Song" by ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy

Duration: 2:17
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • The letter X has different sounds.
  • X can be found at the beginning and end of words.
  • Words containing X can be fun and exciting!

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the letter X (uppercase and lowercase).
  • Students will be able to pronounce the 'ks' sound of X in words like 'fox' and 'excite'.
  • Students will be able to recognize the 'z' sound of X in 'xylophone'.
  • Students will be able to sing along with the 'Letter X Song'.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Greet the children and introduce the letter of the day: X! Show them a large uppercase and lowercase X. Ask if they've ever seen the letter X before. Briefly discuss where they might have seen it (e.g., road signs, books).
  • Watch 'The Letter X Song' (3 mins)
    Play the 'Letter X Song' video. Encourage the children to watch and listen carefully to the lyrics.
  • Sing-Along and Dance (5 mins)
    Play the song again and encourage the children to sing along and dance. Emphasize the 'X' sounds and point to the letter X whenever it appears on the screen (if possible, display lyrics).
  • Word Exploration (7 mins)
    Write the following words on a whiteboard or large paper: 'excite', 'fox', 'mix', 'xylophone'. Say each word clearly and ask the children to repeat them. Emphasize the different sounds the letter X makes in each word. Ask children if they know what these words mean, explain when needed.
  • X Marks the Spot! (5 mins)
    Explain that 'X' can mark a spot, like on a treasure map! Draw a simple treasure map on the board and mark the treasure with an 'X'. Let the children guess what the treasure is. Tie this back to the song and the different places we can find the letter 'X'.
  • Creative X Activity (5 mins)
    Have each child create their own 'X'. This could be drawing it with crayons, building it with blocks, or using playdough. Encourage them to say 'X' as they create it.

Interactive Exercises

  • 'X' Sound Search
    Call out words, some with the letter 'X' and some without. Have the children clap their hands when they hear a word with the letter 'X'.
  • Xylophone Fun
    If available, show the children a xylophone and let them play a few notes. Explain how the word 'xylophone' starts with the letter 'X' and makes a 'z' sound.

Discussion Questions

  • What sound does the letter X make?
  • Can you think of other words that have the letter X in them?
  • Where have you seen the letter X before?

Skills Developed

  • Letter Recognition
  • Phonological Awareness
  • Vocabulary Development
  • Active Listening
  • Fine Motor Skills

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What letter are we learning about today?

Correct Answer: X

Question 2:

The letter X can sound like...

Correct Answer: Ks

Question 3:

Which of these words has the letter X in it?

Correct Answer: Fox

Question 4:

What does X mark on a treasure map?

Correct Answer: The treasure

Question 5:

The letter X comes after...

Correct Answer: W

Question 6:

In the word 'xylophone,' the letter X sounds like...

Correct Answer: Z

Question 7:

Can you point to the big X?

Correct Answer: *Picture of letter X*

Question 8:

Can you point to the little x?

Correct Answer: *Picture of letter x*

Question 9:

In the ABC song, which letter comes after X?

Correct Answer: Y

Question 10:

Which word starts with the letter X?

Correct Answer: Xylophone

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

X marks the ____!

Correct Answer: spot

Question 2:

The letter X sounds like '____' in the word 'fox'.

Correct Answer: ks

Question 3:

We can find the letter X at the ____ of a word.

Correct Answer: end

Question 4:

____ is an instrument that starts with X.

Correct Answer: Xylophone

Question 5:

The letter X comes after ____.

Correct Answer: W

Question 6:

X is a ____ that we can learn about.

Correct Answer: letter

Question 7:

X can be a tricky ____ to learn!

Correct Answer: letter

Question 8:

If we are very ___, we will learn about the letter X today!

Correct Answer: excited

Question 9:

___ is a word where the letter X sounds like a 'z'

Correct Answer: Xylophone

Question 10:

The ABCmouse song helped us learn about letter ___.

Correct Answer: X