reading

Incorporate word-work games WITHOUT a lot of work

Phonics instruction helps learners understand how letters (graphemes) in writing match the individual sounds (phonemes) in speech. These principles form the foundation for both reading and writing.

In reading, these principles help students decode words by helping them recognize letter patterns and spelling rules, which leads to improved automaticity and ultimately fluent reading.

In writing, an understanding of phonics rules helps students quickly recall and spell words, which supports transcription skills like spelling and handwriting. This, in turn, helps them focus more on organizing and expressing their thoughts clearly. Additionally, understanding word structures—such as prefixes and base words—boosts vocabulary and enables students to choose words more precisely in their writing.

Word study gives students the ability to understand letters, sounds, and word patterns—all essential parts of becoming strong readers and writers.

Games can be an effective way to reinforce these principles. Students can practice with whole words or word parts to strengthen the connection between sounds and letters. While many teachers are familiar with BINGO, Old Maid, Uno, or Go Fish, a lesser-known favorite for word work is BANG! This simple, high-energy game gives students repeated exposure to words while keeping them engaged and motivated to practice.

1. Create flashcards for each word or sound you want students to work with. Visit kitzkikz.com to create free printable flashcards.
2. In addition, make three flashcards that read BANG! (or OH NO! or SNAP!).
3. Put the cards in a bucket.
4. Players pass around the bucket. One by one, each pulls out a card, reads it, and keeps it.
5. If a student pulls out the BANG! card, then he must put all his cards back in the bucket. This is a never-ending game; kids play until the teacher says “Time’s up.”

After explaining the objective and modeling how the game is played, have multiple sets ready for kids to practice in small groups. While they are playing the game, the teacher should monitor that students are following the procedures. (TIP: Teach students how to play the game using “easy” words–last year’s high-frequency words, names of students, the alphabet, etc. The focus needs to be on learning the procedures initially, not on learning new words.) Practice the same game for a few days with kids in different groups before introducing the next one.

By teaching students a handful of universal procedures, you can easily rotate the games into Word Work for the rest of the year. The procedures never change. The only prep the teacher has is to create the flashcard words or sounds kids will practice with that day/week.

Related Articles