Hello friends,
Do you need spelling activities? Do your students need to review phonics sounds? Play spelling games!
I teach my students 3 different formats for spelling games and then just switch out the words. They know the structure, so they are just practicing different spelling patterns and building their reading fluency. Read more about reading fluency here.
The three different games that I teach are Go Fish, Memory and a Wild Card Game (similar to Uno). I use the games as a review for spelling and phonics.
Here is my procedure to teach my spelling games.
Whole class demonstration -First I teach the rules of one of the games. Next I review the spelling patterns and sounds that we have been learning. I usually start with the memory game-as many students have played a version of this at home. I lay the cards face down under my document camera. I call on a few students, one at a time, to turn over 2 cards to see if they match. (cards match if they have the same spelling pattern or sound) If the student gets a match, she gets another turn. One of my strategies is to make this introduction short so it builds engagement. Students will really want to play next time!
Small group introduction -After whole group practice, I review the spelling games during my small reading groups. My Go Fish and Wild Card games are perfect for learning to discriminate between different phonics sounds. Since I have different versions of these games, I can teach the game structures and use a variety of cards to meet different students’ needs. With my small group, I teach the directions and review the phonics sounds. I deal out the cards, and then let the students play. As I observe, I help students with the rules and notice who needs help reading the words.
Independent Practice -After students have had practice in a small group, I put the spelling games at a literacy center for partner practice. Students can choose their own partners, but I usually limit each game to four players.
Here’s an important tip!
Set up clear expectations Before I set up an independent practice center, I provide and teach clear expectations. Students need to know what their job is and how they should behave when they are working independently. I plan out all my literacy centers using this planning guide.
In my TpT store, I have several different spelling games. They all have directions for Memory, Go Fish, and the Wild Card game. (similar to Uno)
I hope you find these games helpful!
Phonics Activities Short and Long A
Phonics Activities Short and Long E
Phonics Activities Short and Long I
Phonics Activities Short and Long O
Phonics Activities Short and Long U
Bundle of short and Long Vowel Games
3-Letter Blend Games and Activities
