Decoding Russian Words

Type: Single lesson plan

Length: 15 to 20 minutes

Keywords: social studies, Cyrillic alphabet, decoding, Russian language

Grade Levels: 5-12

Overview: In this lesson, students will learn about the Cyrillic alphabet and how to sound out Russian words.

Supplies: Chalk board at front of classroom for teacher to write Cyrillic alphabet and Russian words.

Standards: Social Studies: Interdependence - Strand 1 - 1.1.13, 1.1.15

Cultural Perspectives - Strand 3 - 3.1.1

Foreign Language: Communicate - Strand 1

Standard Source: Arkansas Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks

Objectives: Students will be able to:

* understand the sounds of the Cyrillic alphabet

* establish and use Cyrillic phonics to pronounce Russian words

Strategies: The teacher will look up and print off the Cyrillic alphabet on the Internet at http://www.friends-partners.org/newfriends/cyrillic/russian.alphabet.html

which will have a pronunciation guide.

Instruction: The following is a "script" that a teacher can follow if so desired. Write on one side of the board the Cyrillic alphabet and how to pronounce each letter.

Copy the following Russian words on the board and help the students pronounce them.

1) bank = БАНK (bank)

2) Park = ПАРЌ (park)

3) bar = БAP (bar)

4) toliet = ТУАЛЕТ (tuaLYET)

5) ball = БАЛ (bal)

6) taxi = ТАКСИ (taKSI)

Extensions: Have students decode additional words that the teacher can get from Russian language books or the Internet.

Assessment: The students will demonstrate their understanding through verbal or written responses.