Here we are practicing real words and nonsense words.  Why is it so important for Emergent readers to be able to read nonsense word?  Well, if a reader is able to read a word that doesn't make sense and they can not use context clues from a story or picture (or familiarity), and that lets us know that they are relying soley on their ability and strategies to read/decode.  Here, our students are using two consonants and our five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) to create a word ladder.  Switching only the vowel sound as they slide their two consonants helps them focus on building their aptitude with reading their short vowels (when the vowel does not say its name.)  Try it with word ladders, too!  (Picture Right) Go down a row of consonants with the same vowel and consonant.  This also helps readers solidify letters and sounds and see those letters and sounds in chunks.

Use foam pieces from Walmart or just cardstock from your cabinet (we know you all horde that stuff) and cut out three small mats for student HFW. When they come to reading group, or working at home, have them quickly read their words and place them on the correct mat. Red is “still needs work” Yellow is “took some time” and Green is “I’ve got it!” It gives you the opportunity to have a quick visual of which ones they need to work on AND helps students have some ownership in where they are with their HFW reading. 

Here is a fun and easy idea for an independent center you can do right now! Grab a deck of letter cards and place them in a circle around the table. Then throw a bin of letters (we have plenty if you need to borrow) and have students sort the letters. Uppercase and lowercase all mixed together can add to the fun. We love this! 

Working on HFW today in reading as a quick warm up. Use small nick knacks around the home or classroom for game pieces and plastic sleeves for reusable fun. Skip the card stock and laminating this way and cut back on prep time. Store all your games together for each skill and that way they are easy to grab and go as a quick warm up or end of group review.  Here is your own copy of the game from Playdough to Plato. 

Use Boogies boards for word work in small group instruction. You can get these on Amazon and they're very affordable. We got ours through our AEF Grant. 

Sorts are always a great way to practice sound spelling patterns for reading and writing. Have students work on them together in a pair. 

Practice NWF as a quick warm up when kids start reading group with colorful flash cards. Not the most exciting, but they love picking their color :)

The ole' shaving cream trick for word work practice. Always tride and true and the students LOVE it. 

Roll and record work work games are a great way for kids hands to be moving, playing and still reading and practicing word patterns. Two second graders are refreshing their CVC words and working on reading the correct vowel sounds. 

 Add quick little pictures or phrases to letter flash cards to help students make associations when they are struggling to remember! 

Another easy one. Write words, letters or concepts on sticky notes. Give each child a fly swatter. Call out words/letters/concepts and have child slap those. Then reverse and have them tell YOU what to slap. Make sure to mix in some words they know as well as words they don't know. You can easily do this whole class too or in small reading groups. 

You can use this strategy for letters, spelling patterns and HFW.
You will need: template, protective sleeve, dry erase marker, hot wheels car
Simply put the template in the sleeve, then label the "parking places" with whatever words, letters, skills you are working on. Ask the child to place their car on whichever word/letter you choose. Then switch and have the child tell you where to put the car. It's fun, versatile and easy :) 

Looking for a way to keep your child engaged this summer and still having fun? Look no further! There are tons of educational phonics games out there for a summer night or rainy day! Here is a list with links we put together for you!