A Horse is a Hoarse, Of Course, Of Coarse A Lesson Plan on Homophones Essential Question: What is a homophone? Engage/ Concept Introduction: Tell the following joke: A Shetland Pony walked into a McDonalds and waited in line to place his order. When his turn finally came, he said (in a soft, raspy voice), "I'll have a Hamburger Happy Meal with a Coke, please." The woman behind the counter frowned and replied, "Sir, you'll have to speak up. I can't hear you." The pony looked at her and repeated (in the same soft, raspy voice), "I'll have a Hamburger Happy Meal with a Coke, please." The woman frowned again and looked rather aggravated. She said sharply, "Sir, I still can't hear you. There are lots of people waiting in line. You'll have to speak up or leave the restaurant." The pony smiled understandingly and replied (in the same soft, raspy voice), "I'm sorry. You've got to excuse me. I'm just a little hoarse." After the students stop laughing, ask why this joke is funny. Then ask if anyone knows what we call two words that sound the same but have different meanings. After whatever discussion these questions generate, define the word homonym, write it on the board, and explain that the word homophone (write it on the board as well) is generally used interchangeably with homonym. Ask students for examples of homophones. Write at least five on the board, noting that some are spelled the same and some are not. Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but differ in meaning and origin. They may also differ in spelling. Extension: Students will be placed in groups of three or four. It is suggested that students be placed in mixed-ability groups (having one higher-ability student, two middle-ability students, and one lower-ability student). Explain to the groups that they are to use a dictionary to create a list of at least 25 pairs or sets of homonyms including the words already listed on the board (adjust the number up or down depending on time constraints). They then must define each word and use it correctly in a sentence. Once the lists, definitions, and sentences are complete, each group will write a paragraph correctly using at least six of the words from their list. Suggest to the students that they should attempt to make the paragraphs funny by using the homonyms to create sentences with double meanings (such as in the little horse joke). The students must take their list of homophones and create a power point slide to explain what homophones are and examples of homophones.

WHO? This lesson is designed for all students. WHY? In this lesson students will focus on VA SOL 3.4 (The student will expand vocabulary when reading. a) Use knowledge of homophones).by using power point to further identify homophones WHAT? The following resources are needed: A computer with power point, www accesable to gather pictures and a dictionary. WHEN? This lesson will be at the beginning of the curriculum teaching the children about homophones. WHERE? This lesson will start in the classroom with dictionaries and continue into the computer lab for finishing the project.

HOMOPHONES Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but differ in meaning and origin. They may also differ in spelling.

SAIL OR SALE? A SALE IS THE ACT OF SELLING A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN RETURN FOR MONEY. A SAIL IS A SURFACE, TYPICALLY MADE OF FABRIC AND SUPPORTED BY A MAST, WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO PROPEL A SAILING VESSEL.

PAIN OR PANE? PAIN IS AN UNPLEASANT FEELING OFTEN CAUSED BY INTENSE OR DAMAGING STIMULI, SUCH AS STUBBING A TOE, BURNING A FINGER. A PANE IS A FRAMED SECTION OF A WINDOW OR DOOR THAT IS USUALLY FILLED WITH A SHEET OF GLASS.

PIE OR PI? PI IS A MATHEMATICAL CONSTANT THAT IS THE RATIO OF A CIRCLE'S CIRCUMFERENCE TO ITS DIAMETER, AND IS APPROXIMATELY EQUAL TO A PIE IS A BAKED DISH WHICH IS USUALLY MADE OF A PASTRY DOUGH CASING THAT COVERS OR COMPLETELY CONTAINS A FILLING OF VARIOUS SWEET OR SAVOURY INGREDIENTS.

WHAT IS THE CORRECT ANSWER? Would you eat a pi or pie? The boat needs a new sail or sale? My foot is in pane or pain?