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
Tag: freebie
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
Kindergarten Sight Words
My grandson is having trouble learning his kindergarten sight words. I am too far away to spend time working with him in person, but I created a few games for him to use with his mom and dad. He especially loves stories with magic. This card game includes all the Kindergarten sight words he needs… Continue reading Kindergarten Sight Words
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
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
Kid Designed Reading Games
I've made a lot of reading games over the years, and for the most part, my students love them. But by far, the most popular games are the ones the students create themselves. This is always a hit. I try to add game making to at least one class with most students and groups I… Continue reading Kid Designed Reading Games
Letter Guessing Game
One of the favorite activities in my pre-k literacy groups is the "feely box." It is so simple but my students ask for it again and again. They get excited every single time I take this can out. My mom was a preschool teacher when I was growing up and she played this game with her… Continue reading Letter Guessing Game
I Have. . . Who Has. . .
I have sit. Who has pan? I have . . . Who has. . . games are a fun way to practice many skills. I like to use them for letters/sounds, words, and even phrases. The game can be used with an entire class, a small group or even in individual tutoring. This sort of game makes a great… Continue reading I Have. . . Who Has. . .
Blue Cottage Tutoring 