Telephone Pronunciation / b / vs / v /
Instructions:
Start by displaying the pronunciation telephone keypad to the students and explain that they’re going to tell each other their phone numbers - but instead of the numbers, they have to say the words.
Start with a clear example. Dictate a phone number (not your real one unless you want everybody to have it!).
You say the words, and they write the numbers. Eg: boat, very, be, vest, very, best, van, ban, best. Then, write the number on the board, (617 415 905) for them to check. Does everyone have it correct?
Next, put the students into pairs or small groups, or if teaching in person, ask them to stand up and mingle with the whole class, and give them 3-4 minutes to dictate and write down each others’ phone numbers.
Remember: they don’t have to give out their real phone number - tell them to choose one digit to change if they don’t feel comfortable with the other students having their number.
As students work on the activity, circulate around the classroom, and offer immediate feedback to help them fine tune their pronunciation.