Lesson 37: Zz /z/

What Will We Learn Today?

Today we’re learning the letter Zz, which spells the sound /z/—as in zoo or zip. In this lesson, your child will learn how to say the /z/ sound, write uppercase and lowercase Zz, and blend and read short words, phrases, and connected sentences using this buzzy, voiced consonant.

How to Make the /z/ Sound

The /z/ sound is a voiced, continuous sound made with your tongue close to the ridge behind your top front teeth.

Here’s how to help your child say it:

• Place your tongue near the ridge behind your top front teeth (like when saying /s/).

• Turn your voice on.

• Let the air flow out while your vocal cords buzz: /zzzzz/

Articulate

Say it together:
“Let’s say /z/ like a buzzing bee—/zzzzz/!”
Hold it out and feel the vibration in your throat.
Compare /s/ and /z/ to feel the difference between unvoiced and voiced.

How to Write the Letter Zz

Time to grab your whiteboard and marker!

Uppercase Z

• Draw a straight line across the top.

• Draw a slanted line down to the left.

• Draw a straight line across the bottom.

Lowercase z

• Same as uppercase, but smaller—line across, slant down, and another line across.

Try writing with chalk or finger tracing in salt for extra engagement.

Download the presentation here:

https://www.canva.com/templates/EAGQNq5Vjbw-letter-zz-presentation/

Let’s Practice Reading Words

Blend and read these /z/ words:

zip – zap – zit – zen – zed – zest

Model blending:
“/z/ – /ĭ/ – /p/” → zip
Then say the word smoothly.

Let’s Practice Reading Phrases

• the red zip

• zip and zap

• a fun zap

• the hot zest

• a bit of zen

• the best zest

• a red zit

• the flat zip

Ask your child to find and point to all the words with the /z/ sound.

Let’s Practice Reading Sentences

• I said, “Do the zap!”

• The zap is fun.

• Zed is in the van.

• The zit is on the leg.

Use echo reading or partner reading for fluency.

Let’s Practice Reading Connected Sentences

Liz got a zit.
The zit is red.
The zit is big.
Zed got the rag.
Liz said, “Do not zap it!”
Zed did the job.
“It was not fun,” said Liz.

Ask:

• Who had the zit?

• What did Zed do?

• How did Liz feel?

Trace and Write

Use printable worksheets where your child can:

• Trace uppercase and lowercase Zz

• Write the letter independently

Download the Zz Worksheets Here:

https://www.canva.com/templates/EAE3pzSBdSU-letter-zz-alphabet-worksheets/

https://www.canva.com/templates/EAE3iAACjm4-alphabet-zz-tracing-and-coloring-worksheet/

Flashcards – Beginning Sound Focus

Use picture flashcards to practice hearing the /z/ sound at the beginning of words.

Examples:

• zipper

• zebra

• zinnia

• zoom

Download Zz Flashcards – Beginning Sound Set Here:

https://www.canva.com/templates/EAE2J7FiCVU-letter-z-alphabet-flashcards/

Conclusion

The /z/ sound brings a zippy buzz to early reading. With strong articulation, writing practice, and playful reading, your child will be able to recognize and use this sound with confidence.