Tips for students to improve their pronunciation

English pronunciation can be tough to grasp for ESL students. Some words and sounds may be difficult to pronounce and are often complex. Here are some activities to help your students to pronounce those confusing words.

1.     Minimal pairs

Minimal pairs are words that almost sound the same, but they have subtle differences and distinctions. Words that are minimal pairs include: ship/sheep, pen/pan, hat/had, low/throw, etc. Let students pronounce the chorally and explain the physical difference between the minimal pairs. Your students will become more aware of the different sounds and meanings and master the pronunciation in no time.

2.     Sound Total Physical Response (TPR)

Your younger students will love this activity! Choose particular movements for certain words. The movements can be gentle and slow or lively and quick. For example, students should sit, clap or jump when they hear a certain sound. This can either be done by reading the words to the students and they should do the movements when they hear a particular sound or you can use flash cards and the students should read the words out loud while doing the movements.

3.     Dictation

Dictation is when you say the words out loud and your students should write them down. You can also combine dictation with minimal pairs, which will help the students distinct between the sounds. Running dictation is a great activity that helps your students pronounce and write the words. Students work in pairs and one student runs to a board/ paper with words on it (not visible to the other student) and dictates it to his teammate. The other students should write down the word and then they switch places.

4.     Sound dice

Make your own dice with different sounds on the sides. Each student gets a turn to roll the dice and should pronounce words with the sound that is on the dice. For example, if the dice falls on the sound ‘ee’, the student can say out loud words such as sheep, deep, sleep and keep.

5.     Tongue twisters

Tongue twisters are a great way to incorporate fun in your class, while still concentrating on learning. You can write down the tongue twister on the board and the students should pronounce it together. Here are three great tongue twisters to use:

·      She sells seashells by the seashore.

·      Betty Botter bought some butter, but she said the butter’s bitter.

·      Four fine fresh fish for you.

Students should practice pronunciation often to get the hang of it. Try to do some of these activities at least once or twice a week. Integrate these activities into your teaching routine and your students will master the pronunciation in no time.