The vowels A, E, I, O, U are all pronounced the same way in Spanish.To teach the vowel sounds effectively, focus on establishing the basics of vowels and then using hands on exercises to have your students practice saying them correctly.
Step 1: There are five vowels in Spanish, and they will always be pronounced the same way.
If you restrict your students to only five vowels, you will ensure they are pronouncing Spanish words correctly.In English, the context of the word in the sentence affects the pronunciation of that word.In Spanish, the position of the word doesn't affect the pronunciation of its vowels.
Step 2: The Spanish vowels are shorter than the English vowels.
Take the letter O.It can sound like "Oooohwa" when you say the letter "O" in English.It is important to understand and apply this spoken rule if your student wants to achieve native Spanish speaking ability.
Step 3: The student should write down the vowels in English and say them loud.
They will get a guideline to refer back to as they work on getting their vowels right and making them sound natural.A will always sound like a father.The sound of "E" in "elephant" will always be the same.I will sound like the "e" in "be".This letter can be confusing as it sounds the same as the letter "e" in English, so make sure to clarify this for your students."O" will always sound the same in "oh" or "October".It will always sound short.The Spanish word "uno" means "u" in "flute", so "U" will always sound the same.
Step 4: Discuss and define diphthongs
The student can sound out combinations of the five basic vowels once they are aware of them.When two vowels are next to each other, one strong and one weak, the student needs to learn to form a diphthong.
Step 5: Student should practice pronouncing diphthongs.
They should make the sound for the first and second vowels in a word.When it sounds like one syllable, they should repeat it faster and faster."ai" or "ay" should sound like "eye" in English.Such as in Spanish."ei" or "ey" should rhyme with "hay" in English.Such as in Spanish.It's a good idea to say "oi" or "oy" in English.Such as in the Spanish word voy.The Spanish words for "ui" are "uy" or "Luis".It should sound like a piano in English.Such as in the Spanish word for media.It should sound like "eh" in English.Such as in the Spanish word.The Spanish word for "delicioso" is "io".The Spanish word for "viuda" is "iu".It should sound like "ow" in English.Such as in the Spanish word.The Spanish word for "eu" is "europa".The Spanish word for "ua" is "cuadro".The Spanish word for "ue" is "cuesta".The Spanish word for "cuota" is "uo".
Step 6: Show how your mouth should move for each word.
A bowl-shaped line can be drawn on the board.Write the vowels in a row, from left to right, under the line.It is the back of the mouth at the entrance to the throat if you label it with "i" or "u".Don't worry about drawing this well if it looks easy to see.If you are good at drawing a view, go for it.A cut-away view that shows the head, mouth, nose, and neck is called a sagittal view.Ask your student to listen as you pronounce the five pure vowels with no breaks or coming up for air, moving your mouth and lips in a slow, exaggerated way.The "i" sound should be pronounced with your lips spread wide like a toothy smile, but as you move to "u" you should tighten them into a smoochy pucker.If it makes them pay attention to the movement of your mouth, then that is fine.As you model the vowels, make sure you stress the movement of your tongue.The tongue should begin in the forward position at the "i" sound, then go into a relaxed position as you say "a" and then back up towards your throat.Ask your student to try it on their own once you have shown it to them a few times.Have them move their mouths in exaggerated ways as they say their vowels.
Step 7: Use the menu at the fast food restaurant.
You can use any restaurant you want, but choosing a familiar fast food chain may help your student get used to the activity.Make a copy of the menu from the fast food restaurant and give it to your student.The student should read the items aloud and say the words in English.The student should read the items with the correct Spanish vowels.Ask your student to circle at least five spots that they mispronounce and discuss the issues with you.The student had trouble with a lot of the words on the board.The student had a hard time pronouncing the Spanish vowels and should be helped to read the menu with the correct pronunciation.Take your student to an authentic Spanish restaurant and have them order food with Spanish names they may not know, as a fun follow-up to this activity.
Step 8: There is a way to create a Spanish sing a long.
You can use an existing Spanish sing a long online or build your own using a dry erase pen.The Spanish song uses a lot of vowels on the blackboard.The student should be able to read the lyrics clearly if there is enough room between the lines.As you point to each word in the song, have the student read it out loud.The student should be able to read or sing one line of the song.Encourage them to keep singing until they can sing the whole song.Tell them how they can improve their vowels.If there is a recorded version of the song you chose, play it for the student to learn the proper pronunciation.