CVC Worksheets: Idea #304

I just came across some great CVC worksheets on www.funfonix.com. The worksheets focus on sound recognition, building words, and matching words. You can find these worksheets here. I particularly like the Building Words worksheet. The students looks at a picture and says the word. Then they connect the letters that spell the word and write it on the line. What a fun way to practice CVC words!

Magic Spoon: Idea #303

A fun way to get your student excited to read CVC words is to use a magic spoon. Just go to your local party store and buy some plastic gold spoons. Then make a list of words that all begin with the same letter and are on your student's level. You might try the letter m with words like: mat, map, mop, met, mit, mug, etc. Then take off the first letter of each word and print the list. For example my list would then say: at, ap, op, et, it, ug. On the magic spoon write the letter that is found at the beginning of all of the words. Then have your student move the spoon down the paper, reading all of the words. You can check it out here. 

Have fun reading!

Fun Fonix: Idea #302

Kids love computer games. As a teacher it always feels good to find an educational computer game because you just know your student will love playing it. Try out the website http://www.funfonix.com/. Here is how you play the games:

1. Click here to see the games.

2. Concentration game- Played just like Memory. Player must match a CVC word card to its correct picture card. For example, if the player flipped over a card with the word bug, they would be looking for the card with a picture of a bug to get a match. Once all of the matches are found, the game is over.

3. Collect the Stars game- Player must look at the picture and type in the CVC word. For example, if the player sees a picture of an ant, then they would type in the letters: a-n-t and earn a star. Once all of the starts are filled in, the game is complete.

4. Shoot Out game- Player clicks on a level either easy or hard and then loads their gun.Then the player is timed and must click on the correct answer. Usually they must find the letter that goes in the blank or read a word and click on the correct picture.

What a fun way to practice reading!

Match it!: Idea #301

Does your student enjoy putting puzzles together? If so, you should try out this puzzle-game called Match It! It might be the answer to get your student to read more CVC words.

In this game each of the 20 words are made into a small puzzle with each letter on a different puzzle piece. If the word is cat, there is a picture of a cat and its name cat made into three puzzle pieces that fit together. There is of course reading and spelling involved in doing the puzzles.

As teacher, I would have my students play Match It at center time. It is a perfect game they can do without the help of a teacher. Plus it is ideal for a small group. Most of the words are three or four letter words. You can take a look at this game here.

Have fun watching your student learn more words!

Phoneme Pop: Idea #300

Is your student still struggling with some letter sounds? If so, you should check out the Phoneme Pop game found online. It is a fun way for students to practice those sounds that are the most difficult.

Just go to the following website: http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html. Then click on the group of sounds you would like your student to practice. Your student will then hear sounds from the computer and must click the letter(s) that make that particular sound. Your student needs to be on their toes to click on all of them. Also, make sure you have a good mouse to play this game, otherwise your student will get frustrated pretty quick!

I hope this simple computer game helps your student master those tough letter sounds!

Deep Sea Phonics: Idea #299

Looking for an awesome educational computer game? Try out the following website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/phonics/play/popup.shtml. It is a fun and free game where students can practice spelling simple words. 

At the beginning of the game you choose whether you would like: medium, hard, or really hard words. Once the student has chosen the game it is quite simple to play. They hear a word from the computer and spell the word using the letter options given. When they get it right they see a picture of the word and then move on to the next one. After they have done five words the game is over, but they have the option to move up a level or play the same level again.

This game is a good one your student can play independently. Have fun checking out this great computer game!

CVC Sound Game: Idea #298

Ready for yet another awesome board game? The CVC Sound Game is the game for you. Here is what you do:

1. PREPARATION: Go to the following website: http://thegototeacher.wordpress.com/reading-ideas/

2. Scroll down until you see CVC Initial Sound, CVC Medial Sound, CVC Final Sound.

3. Click on the one you would like your student to work on and print it. It would be wise to laminate it or print it off on cardstock.

4. TO PLAY: Get a pencil and paperclip. Have Player 1 spin it in the letter circle.

5. Player 1 then moves to the nearest box that makes a word using that letter.

6. Player 2 then spins and so on. 

7. The first player to get to the finish wins!

Have fun!

CVC Word Mats: Idea #297

Want to help your student master more CVC words? Try out the following activity:

1. Go to the following website: http://kindergartencrayons.blogspot.com/2011/03/cvc-wordssound-them-out-but-dont-spit.html

2. Click where it says Click here for center activities.

3. Print the document.

4. Here are a few things you can do with the worksheets:
       -Copy one of the pages (enough for the number of students you have) and then have a race to see who can finish their worksheet the fastest.
       -Use one of the worksheets as a quick review each day.
       -Cut each box out and give each student a different picture. Have each student fill in the blanks under the one they received.
       -Cut each box out from all of the worksheets. Have your student put the pictures together that have the same middle sound.

Your student will love the beautiful pictures on these simple worksheets. Have fun watching your student gain reading confidence!

The Machine: Idea #296

I am always looking for simple educational computer games. Check out this computer game called Machine. You can see it here. In this game there is a machine that shows a CVC word (like box or cat or bag). At the bottom of the screen are three choices of words. Your student is to read the three words and click on the one that names the picture and then click Next. It is a great game your student can play independently and an excellent way to get your student reading. Have fun checking it out!

CVC Spelling Board Games: Idea #295

Looking for some more educational board games to add to your collection? If so, you should check out CVC Spelling Board Games. Here is the information you may want to know:

1. This game is a set of 6 board games that teach letter sound correspondence and CVC, CVCC, and CCVC words.

2. These games help kids work out initial, middle or final sounds in words in order to move around the game board.

3. These games also help students learn blending and segmenting.

4. The games contain 20 counters, a die, spinner, and an answer sheet for the teacher.

5. The games help with: spelling, phonemes, digraphs, fine motor skills and concentration skills.

6. Most importantly this game can help your student build confidence in reading more words and sentences.

7. You can find out more about this game here.

Enjoy!

CVC Words on a Roll: Idea #294

Reading CVC words is a perfect way to get your student to start reading. The words are short with only one vowel sound and are typically words that are familiar to your student. A fun way to practice CVC words is to play the CVC Words on a Roll game that I found on this website. This is what you do:

1. PREPARATION: Go to the following website: http://homeschoolparent.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

2. Scroll down until you find the CVC Words on a Roll game.

3. Print the game. 

4. TO PLAY: Student needs a counter/game piece and a die. Student rolls the die and moves that many spaces on the board. Student must read the CVC word he lands on. If he can't, he moves back that many spaces. For example, if my student rolled a six and landed on the word man, but he said men, then he would go back six spaces to where he originally was. 

5. When your student gets to the smiling face the game is over. If you are playing the game with more than one student, whoever gets to the smiling face first is the winner.

May the best reader win!

Word Clue: Idea #293

Here is one last game you can play on your Cat to Cat Word Board. Just follow these simple instructions:

1. PREPARATION: Go to the following website: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-CVC-Board-Game-251401

2. Download the board game and print off page 3.

3. TO PLAY: Player 1 chooses a word from the Cat to Cat Word Board (putting two circles together) without telling any other players.

4. Player 1 gives a clue to the word they chose. For example, "This word rhymes with lad" or "This word is the opposite of good".

5. The first student to figure out what the word is, raises their hand and gives an answer.

6. If they give the correct answer, they get a turn choosing a new word and giving clues. If they said the incorrect answer, players continue to try to figure what the word is.

Have fun!

What's My Word: Idea #292

Lets try playing another game on our Cat to Cat Game Board. This particular game is very simple, but excellent for reading practice. Here is what you do:

1. PREPARATION: Go to the following website: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-CVC-Board-Game-251401

2. Download the board game and then print off page 3.

3. TO PLAY: Player 1 points to two circles on the game board that can make a word and then asks, "What's my word?" For example, Player 1 might point to the circles: m and ap.

4. Player 2 then sounds the word out: m-ap. Map! Once Player 2 has read the word, the players switch so that Player 2 gets to choose 2 circles and Player 1 reads.

5. If you have more than two players, the player who can read the word the fastest gets to pick the circles the following round.

Enjoy!

How Many Words Can You Make: Idea #291

Yesterday's game was pretty fun. Today try using that same game board to play a game called How Many Words Can You Make. This is what you do:

1. PREPARATION: Go to the following website: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-CVC-Board-Game-251401

2. Download the board game and then print off page 3.

3. TO PLAY: Students use the game board to write down as many words as they can find. The letters found in the circles can be used more than once. For example, you only see one letter b, but your student can make the words: bad, bat, bam, bag, etc.  

4. Time your students for 2 or 3 minutes and see who finds the most words.

5. The student with the most words once the timer goes off, wins the game!

Have fun!

Cat to Cat Word Game: Idea #290

CVC words are perfect practice words for beginning readers. A CVC word is a word that contains a consonant, vowel, consonant. For example, cat or gum or his are all CVC words. CVC words are short and easy to sound out. Try the following activity to practice reading some CVC words with your student:

1. PREPARATION: Go to the following website: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-a-CVC-Board-Game-251401

2. Download the board game FOR FREE and then print off page 3 (which is the actual board game).

3. All you will need for this game are some counters and the printed game board.

4. TO PLAY: Give Player 1 red counters and Player 2 yellow counters.

5. Player 1 takes a turn covering 2 circles to make a word. For example, m and at make the word mat. The player must cover one circle on the purple cat and one circle on the blue cat using counters. Once a counter is placed on a circle, it cannot be taken off the board (until the game is completed).

6. The winner is the last player to cover 2 circles to make a word.

Have fun sounding out words!

Word Family Train Game: Idea #289

A fun way to teach your student word family words is to have them play simple computer games. Try out the Word Family Game found here. All your student does is click a word family and then click on different letters to go at the beginning. The computer then sounds out the word for your student. For example, if your student chose the word family -ate and then chose the letters l, f, and r, the computer would sound out the words: late, fate, rate for your student. After your student has chosen all of the options for that particular word family, they can go on to a different one. 

I have found this game to be an excellent one to use to help introduce word families. Have fun watching your student learn!

Ice Cream Game: Idea #288

Any game that has to do with ice cream is a game kids will like! Try playing the Ice Cream Word Family Game you can find here. This is how you play:

1. PREPARATION: Print off the game template and pieces found here. It is best to print it off on cardstock or have it all laminated.

2. Give each player: one chocolate rainbow sprinkle ice cream cone, one score card, and a pencil.

3. Put these out on the table: dictionary, Word Family Dice, container of ice cream scoops, and timer.

4. TO PLAY: Each player rolls the dice and then has 10-30 seconds to write down a real word in that particular word family. For example, if they rolled the word family ate, the student might write late.

5. If the student chose a real word, they can get a scoop of ice cream and put it on their cone. If the student wrote the word jate another student can say "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream." If this happens, the student is being challenged and must look up the word in the dictionary. If the word is not found in the dictionary, the student does not get a scoop of ice cream. If the word is found in the dictionary, the student gets to take a scoop off of the challenger's cone. If the challenger does not have two scoops, they cannot challenge other players.

6. The first player to get to 5 scoops of ice cream wins the game.

Have fun!

What's It Worth: Idea #287

It is always fun to put some Math into Reading lessons. Check out this activity called What's It Worth. This is what you do:

1. Go here and print off the worksheets. 

2. Choose one word family page you would like your student to do and give it to him.

3. Have your student cut out the letters in boxes on the page.

4. Have student look at each picture on the page and then glue the correct letters to make the word. For example, if your student saw a picture of a sail, they would glue the letters s-a-i-l. 

5. After your student has done this for each picture, have them count up their points (by adding up the numbers found in the bottom corner of each letter square).

Hope your student enjoys this fun activity!

Word Family Cut and Paste: Idea #286

To continue practicing word families with your student, check out this website. You will see a PDF document. Each page on the document has a different word family with 6-8 words listed. Next to each word is an empty box. At the bottom of each page are pictures that your student needs to cut out. Once the pictures are cut out, your student is to read the words and glue the picture next to the correct word. It is a simple, but effective way to get your student reading. Have fun!

My Word Family Book: Idea #285

Kids love making books. To get your student motivated to read word family words, try making a book. Just do the following:

1. Have your student choose a word family, for example -an. Then have your student make a list of all the words they can think of in that particular word family. For example: an, ban, can, Dan, fan, man, Nan, pan, ran, tan, van. 

2. Since the -an family has eleven words in it, give your student 12 pages (whatever size you would like). 

3. On the first page have your student write: 'The -an Family' or the word family that they chose.

4. Then on each page have your student write one word and draw a picture of it.

5. When your student has finished, staple the pages together and they can practice reading the book at home.

6. If your student doesn't like to draw, click here to find some printable word family books that your student can color.

Have fun!

Finger Paints: Idea #284

Finger painting is a wonderful way for kids to use their fine motor skills and practice reading at the same time. I found the finger painting idea here. This is what you do:

1. YOU WILL NEED: A cookie sheet and finger paints.

2. Give each student a cookie sheet.

3. Put some finger paint on each tray.

4. Each student flattens the finger paint on their tray.

5. Say a word family word or a sight word. Each student writes the word on their tray using their finger.

6. Check each student's tray. If student spelled word correctly, give your student a thumbs up. If your student has spelled the word incorrectly, help your student figure out how to spell it.

7. Students then wipe their hand over the tray to clear it for the next word.

8. Continue giving more words until the practice is complete.

9. Have students wash their trays and their hands. 

Have fun!

Spinner Game: Idea #283

Since kids love games so much, try playing the Spinner Game to practice word families. I found this game here. This is what you do:

1.  PREPARATION: Print the spinner and worksheet here.

2. Get a brass fastener (or sharpened pencil) to attach a paper clip at the center of each spinner.

3. TO PLAY: Give each student a worksheet.

4. Player 1 spins the paper clips on each spinner. Player 1 then makes a word using the beginning sound from spinner 1 and the word family from spinner 2. If the word she makes is a real word, she writes it on her worksheet. If the two spinners don't make a word, she spins again.

5. Player 2 takes a turn and does the same as Player 1.

6. The game is over once all players have made 10 words on their worksheet.

Have fun making words!

Word Family Plays: Idea #282

To get your student mastering word families, try reading word family plays. Plays are fun for kids because they get to act, dress up, get attention from an audience, and of course practice reading. Take a look at this book called 25 Fun Word Family Plays by clicking here. The book contains 25 plays that focus on 25 different word families. Any part your student chooses in the play will give them plenty of practice with the word family. Your student will love the humorous stories and characters. They will want to practice reading them over and over again. Have fun putting on your Word Family Play!

'Words Their Way': Idea #281

Words Their Way is a wonderful text with research-based approaches to help your student learn how to read. There are tons of different editions and versions, depending on the type of reader that you have. A few include: emergent spellers, struggling readers, derivational relations spellers, word study in home school, secondary and middle school readers, and more! Many of the books have word sorts, lessons, a list of high frequency words, hands-on learning activities, suggested websites, etc. 

All you do is click here to see some of the Words Their Way books that are out there. Choose the one that best fits the needs of your student. Then check it out at your local library or buy it. Once you read it, you will discover a variety of ways to help your student succeed and become the confident reader they want to become!

Word Family High Five: Idea #280

A fun way to practice word families is to make something visual. Have your student trace their hand on a piece of paper. Then have your student write the word family of their choice in the palm of the hand drawn. On each finger have them write a letter to make a word in that particular word family. 

For example, if they chose the word family: -at, they would write: -at in the palm of the hand. Then they would write the letters: h, p, m, f, r on the fingers, making the words: hat, pat, mat, fat, rat. You can see an example of this here. Decorate them as beautiful as you want and of course have fun!

Buddies and Bagels: Idea #279

A great way to get your student excited to read is to mix things up a bit. Have a special day where your student can invite someone in to read to and share a treat with. Here are a few ideas:

1. Buddies and Bagels - Your student invites a friend to class to read to and eat a bagel with.
2. Moms and Muffins - Your student invites their mom to class to read to and eat a muffin with.
3. Dads and Doughnuts - Your student invites their dad to class to read to and eat a doughnut with.
4. Parents and Pizza - Your student invites their parents to class to read to and eat pizza with.

Your student will be so excited to have a special guest come to class with them. Your student will also enjoy showing off their reading skills. It is also wonderful to have the guest read to your student. As a teacher, this activity was always a highlight for my students. Enjoy!

Word Family Mats: Idea #278

A fun way to get your student reading word families, is to make or buy Word Family Mats. You can find and print them here. Each mat is a different word family with 8 pictures of different words in that particular family. Your student is to look at the cards and match the words to the pictures found on the mat. It is a wonderful hands-on and visual activity. Your student will love sounding out the short words and finding where the card belongs on the mat. Have fun watching your student learn!

Word Family Listening Center: Idea #277

Looking for a fun way to help your student master word families? Try using the Word Family Listening Center Program. The program includes 5 fun cds that go along with write & wipe cards. All you do is put the cd in and choose the word family you would like your student to work on. Then your student uses a wipe marker to do the activities.

There are 19 activities reinforcing 37 different word families. There are enough materials for 8 students to work at once. You can find this great program here. Enjoy!

Word Family Readers: Idea #276

Looking for some great books to reinforce the word families your student has learned? You should try using Lakeshore books. They are wonderful. They are durable, short, repetitious and perfect for emergent readers. Click on this to view their Word Family Readers. Each book contains 5-9 words from the same word family. Kids love the rhymes and beautiful pictures. The stories are entertaining too! It's a great way to make your reader a confident one.

When you look at the website, you will see that there are 20 books included in the word family readers. There is also an option to buy the Word Family Big Books. These books are essentially the same as the readers, just larger. Big books are a fun way for kids to read with you or with their class to find patterns or key words in the story. Have fun checking it out!

Flip Books: Idea #275

To make learning word families more fun, try making or buying flip books. As students turn pages in a flip book, they are able to connect a letter or blend with a certain word family ending. On the Lakeshore Learning website you can find 30 ten-page flip books with a total of 300 words! These books are great because each one focuses on a different word family. You can find them here.
 
Kids love to hear the rhyming in the words and look at the beautiful picture on each page. What a wonderful way to get your student reading more words!

ReadWriteThink: Idea #274

When practicing word family words, it is always fun to incorporate games. Try this online game called Word Family Sort. All your student does is read the word at the top of the screen and drag it to the correct word family. It is simple, but an excellent way to get them excited to learn their word families. Have fun trying it out!