ESL Phonics Lessons: The Letter O

Welcome to our beginner phonics lesson on the letter O! This ESL phonics lesson is designed to introduce young learners and ESL students to the sound and usage of the letter O. Phonics is essential for developing foundational reading and writing skills. By mastering the letter O, learners can decode words effectively, improve reading fluency, and build confidence in their language abilities. Let’s explore the letter O, its sounds, and engaging activities to reinforce learning.

ESL Phonics: Understanding the Letter O

The letter O is the fifteenth letter of the English alphabet and is classified as a vowel. It appears in both uppercase (O) and lowercase (o) forms. The primary sound associated with the letter O is the /ɑː/ sound, as heard in words like “orange” and “octopus.” It also has a shorter /ɒ/ sound as in “hot” and “pot.”

ESL Phonics: The Sounds of the Letter O

The letter O produces two main sounds:

• Long O (/ɑː/): This is a sustained vowel sound where the mouth is open wide. Examples include words like “orange,” “goat,” and “open.”
• Short O (/ɒ/): This is a shorter vowel sound where the mouth is more relaxed. Examples include words like “hot,” “pot,” and “fox.”

The ESL phonics lesson below includes an introduction to the letter O, with several words, a sentence, and a page to practice tracing this letter. Students then practice tracing the letter O to complete several words in sentences. After completing this ESL phonics lesson, students should have a basic, functional understanding of the letter O, including its shape, capital and lowercase forms, and its positioning in sentences. Download this lesson for free, and you can also download our entire book of ESL phonics lessons on the alphabet, Phonics Monster: The Alphabet.