Writing Your Name in Russian

Type: Single Lesson

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 a few Russian names.

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 their Russian name

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 names on the board and help the students pronounce them.

1) Paula = ΠΑΥЛΑ

2) Karen = ΚЗΡЕН

3) Kay = ΚЗЙ

4) Mary = МАΡИ

5) Mike = ΜАИК

6) Cody = КОДИ

7) Phillis = ФИЛИС

8) Gail = ГЗЙЛ

9) Todd = ТОДД

10) Paul = ПАΥЛ

11) Connie = КАНИ

12) Kathleen = КАТЯ

13) Janet = ДЖАНΕΤ

14) Brooks = БРΥΚС

Help students create their own names by sounding out each letter in their name and substitute the corresponding Cyrillic sound and letter.

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.