This game involves using letter and bigram cards to build words. This is a natural step from learning the individual bigram sounds to assembling them into words. They can warm up by using the cards to assemble words from a printed list- just visually matching. Then they can assemble words by hearing them orally- no visual cues. I used this with my fifth grade struggling readers, who enjoyed the competition. I put a bell in between two students and whoever built the word first would ring the bell. You can keep score, or just give smart cards for correct answers.
I recommend starting with just two complete sets, since there are a lot of cards to print. You could make your own by hand, but if you copy these, use the light setting on the photocopier first to wash out the colored background. Then you can print them onto whatever colored paper you want using a darker setting on the copier.
Please note- Younger students might be overwhelmed if you do all of these at once, so I would recommend introducing one or two vowel-sets at a time.
Please see display images below.
Since the single letters are all consonants, I added an “e” for a "silent e.”
With so many cards, a display board is handy; even so there may be overlaps. Arranging them is good practice in putting things in alphabetical order. If you know someone with woodworking skills, the pic below is what I used. Otherwise, you could make a zig-zag display out of poster paper (Also shown below).
The Full Monty: (There’s something beautiful about organized letters…) 18”w x 14”d
Wood base detail: (slots at 15 degree angles)
Poster Board Display detail:
Actually, the posterboard display allows for easier viewing, but of course it takes more space.
Sight Word Starter List:
