This simple game is always popular. I like it because you can play it with any deck of cards. It's great for pattern word card decks (digraph review, silent e, consonant le. . . ) but can be played with sight words as well. I play two ways. If I'm teaching at a location that… Continue reading Happy Face and Sad Face Game
Category: Activity
Sand paper letter rubbings
Textured letter cards are a staple in many preschool and kindergarten classrooms. They can be used in many ways to add a multisensory aspect to instructions. I have a 30 year old homemade set that I'm still using. One of my very favorite ways to use them is to do rubbings. This is… Continue reading Sand paper letter rubbings
Spelling Option Activity
This is a simple activity to use during lessons when working on spelling options. I put down cards with the two or three spelling options ( for example oi/oy, ay/ai, tion/sion ). I often have these cards because I use them as headings for word sorts. You will also need a stack of word cards that contain… Continue reading Spelling Option Activity
Schwa: A Few Favorite Resources
Teaching schwa is always a challenge. The 'lazy" vowel sound is first encountered in two syllable closed syllable words. Most of my students have no problem learning to read words like wagon, salad or melon. Spelling is another story! We practice lots and make it through. The real work with schwa come with open syllables.… Continue reading Schwa: A Few Favorite Resources
Syllable Segmenting and Blending
I had a conversation with a student the other day. It was very similar to one I've had many times with many students over the years. "Today we are going to be working on dividing words into syllables. Do you know what a syllable is?" "It's when you clap while saying a word." "Can you… Continue reading Syllable Segmenting and Blending
Digraph Swat!
I usually avoid fly swatter games in my small groups. I know they are popular but they can get crazy and someone often gets swatted by accident. I dislike ending my classes with a student in tears! However, this game works pretty well. I have two versions depending on the group of kiddos I'm working… Continue reading Digraph Swat!
Find The Nonsense Word
Fill a Few Extra Minutes I like to use this activity in small groups when I need something to fill a few extra minutes. It requires no extra materials and if the word list is already in my folder, I'm ready to go! I write sets of four words on the whiteboard and invite a… Continue reading Find The Nonsense Word
Sight Word Apple Tree
I love to use this activity with my small groups. It is versatile, easy to differentiate and always popular. Make I use a large piece of poster board. The dollar store usually has sheets. I draw a tree trunk and branches. I'm not an artist so it is crude but recognizable! I write the words that… Continue reading Sight Word Apple Tree
6 Down: A Spelling Game
I was looking for a quick spelling game last week when I remembered this activity. I used to play it with math facts, but it was easily adapted for spelling. To Play I gave each player a white board and marker. I also gave each player a score sheet. I put 6… Continue reading 6 Down: A Spelling Game
13 DIY Tactile Ways to Practice Letters and Sounds
There are so many great DIY tactile ideas for learning letters and sounds. These activities are fun for all learners. My dyslexic kiddos need lots and lots of multisensory practice to learn their letter/ sound combinations. Here are some engaging ways to practice. Check some out and add them to your back to school lesson… Continue reading 13 DIY Tactile Ways to Practice Letters and Sounds
Blue Cottage Tutoring 