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: Games
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
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
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
Reading Towers
This is another "as simple as it gets" reading activity. It is very popular with my K-3 students. All you need are some Duplo blocks, a sharpie marker, and a die. My four kids are all grown, but I still have some favorite toys including Duplo and Lego blocks. I put them out for siblings to play… Continue reading Reading Towers
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
Blue Cottage Tutoring 