Minimal Pairing

Distribute word cards with pictures for the following words to each student: fin, spin; fan, van; and fort, sport. Display large picture of fin and read word aloud. Have students hold up individual picture cards and repeat word. Use word in a sentence. Say the word again and have students repeat. Repeat the same process with spin. Tell students to put all pictures down and listen for which word teacher says. After teacher says the word, students will hold up corresponding picture and word card. Repeat with fan and van; then with fort and sport. After completing with all six words, tell students to listen carefully as teacher says one of the words. Students will display matching picture/ word card. Continue with all words until students correctly identify all words. Picture and word cards can then be used as a partner activity or for homework to practice reading the words.