Craft lesson#2: Buzz

Onomatopoeia Introduction

Targeted age Group
First Grade

Introduction
Onomatopoeia is a long word to remember. To have students become comfortable with the term and its meaning the book “Buzz” by Janet Wong is very useful. Children will be able to listen to the book and point out words that make sounds and then create their own sounds and onomatopoeias.

How to teach it
Begin by writing the word “Buzz” on the flip board and ask students to read it out loud as a class. Ask them what they think that word sounds like. After receiving feedback, explain to the children that the word “Buzz” is an example of onomatopoeia, meaning it is a word that represents a sound. Then proceed with reading the book “Buzz” making sure that you allow children to make the “buzzing” sound when applicable.

After reading the book have a group of musical instruments and noise making materials (one object for each student) ready. Each student can choose one object and allow a few minutes for the students to make noise with their object before asking the class to keep their object quiet so that they can hear each one individually. Call on students one at a time to show the class what noise their object makes. When one student makes the noise with their object ask the group to repeat the noise with their voice then have the students suggest ways to spell the sound that they made while you write it on a large flip board. Continue this process until every child has had a chance to show the class the noise their object makes and the students have created a long list of onomatopoeias.

Resources
Wong, Janet S. Buzz. Illus. Margaret Chodos-Irvine. Orlando, FL:Voyager Books Hardcourt Inc., 2000.