When Oliver learned words from three different "short a" word families it became difficult for him to remember the ending sounds of each word. For example, when reading the words cap, cat, and can it was easy for Oliver to see the beginning sounds and then say the wrong ending sound in each of the words. These games have helped him to focus on the ending sounds of the words.
Fill in the Blank Word Family Game
I found the pictures for this phonics game on K-3TeacherResources.com (link below). I printed, laminated and cut out the pictures for use with many different phonics games and activities. In this activity I displayed the pictures in a pocket chart and made fill in the blank words for each picture and placed them next to their pictures. I chose to leave the last consonant out for this activity, but you could have them spell the words in a variety of games for the activity.
Link:
http://www.k-3teacherresources.com/advanced-phonic-sounds.html#.VBia5fldWSo
Pom Pom Phonics Game
In this activity you will need some kind of tray that can be divided into several categories. I found this tray at the dollar store, but an egg carton or muffin tin could be used also. At the bottom of each section I placed the "short a" word family endings that we have been working on. Oliver sat at one end of the kitchen table with a large pom pom and tossed it into the tray.
Next to the table I had a white board with a variety of "short a" words written on it. When he landed the pom pom in the tray he had to identify the word family ending and then select a word with the same ending from the white board and erase it. The aim of the game was to erase all of the words from the white board. He had a lot of fun with this game and asked to play again! This game could be used with spelling or other vocabulary words for kids of older ages.
Oliver has started reading! I have chosen to begin Oliver's reading journey with the Hooked on Phonics reading program. This learning approach has been really great for Oliver. Because Oliver is only 4 1/2 years old we are not trying to rush through this process but rather enjoy doing it together. I would like to share some of the phonics games and activities that we have been doing together during our reading time.
To begin our reading time we usually go over all of the "sight words" that we have been reviewing for the week. They are displayed in a pocket chart on the wall by our table. Then we review some of the words he is learning by reading some fun "word family" poetry that I have created.
Oliver and I go through the poem together and highlight the words that he knows. We read it together several times and focus on vocabulary, fluency and expression. We keep the poetry in a binder and it is another great place for Oliver and I to go when he feels like reading!
Teaching Tip: Right now my main focus is to make reading enjoyable for him. We spend a lot of time re-reading the stories that make him feel like a successful reader and give him a positive reading experience. When children are first learning to read keep your learning periods short and give them a lot of positive feedback. If something becomes too difficult don't be afraid to back up and review what they already know.
Phonics Poems
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1opHLB7FjwtO02mmiSPCvLnGCqMEr0hAc1LfwZ_VAvf8/edit
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
