Favorite Phonics Activities

Phonics instruction is crucial in developing the reading and writing skills of our students. With the right lessons and activities, students do not memorize words. Instead, they gain deep insight into why words have the spellings they do. They learn to sound out unfamiliar words and how vowel teams and blends impact pronunciation. Students even learn about syllable types! Since this instruction is a critical aspect of elementary education, let’s explore favorite phonics activities! Students will have so much fun with phonics instruction. 

I Have Who Has 

When incorporating favorite phonics activities, beginning sounds are essential! Since there are 26 letters and sounds to learn, there must be lots of practice. Students who do not know beginning sounds will struggle to learn more complex topics. So, students love to play I Have Who Has. They each receive a card with either a letter or a sound. Then, we go through the alphabet until everyone finds their match! 

Making Words Phonics Practice 

This is such a fun way to practice phonics skills! Students will work on making words for 27 different phonics skills. This includes short vowels, beginning blends, ea/ee/ey, and digraphs! There is a word list and the needed letters for every set!

Simply pass out the letters and have students cut them apart to get started. Then, review the sounds for each letter or focus skill. For example, say: “Hold up the letter that says /m/.” Once students are ready, you will say the first word and have students use their letters to make that word. Then, progress through the provided list that has students change one letter at a time to make the next word. Students love to see how many words form by changing only one letter! It is like seeing magic. 

Word Play: Word Ladders & Making Words

Word Play is the ultimate resource when looking for favorite phonics activities! This resource includes word ladders and making word activities. These are the perfect way to promote vocabulary development, phonics, spelling, and word recognition skills. 

Specifically, there are 82 Word Play sheets. Each includes a word ladder, which challenges students to build a chain of words by changing one letter at a time. This is a fantastic way for students to recognize word patterns and make connections between words. Additionally, each sheet includes a Making Words activity where students make as many words as possible with the given letters.

Students will love how these activities scaffold their learning while providing tons of options for differentiation! 

Write the Room 

I love how this activity gets students up and moving! I place different questions and cards around the room. I love to base these on the current phonics focus, such as oi/oy and ai/ay. Then, students walk around the room and answer the different questions. So, it may be finding the cards that match the provided pictures on a handout. I even do this when working on letters. So, students may walk around the classroom and find objects that begin with provided letters. 

Phonics Clip Cards

I love using centers during favorite phonics activities! These clip charts are the perfect addition to your classroom! 

Specifically, there are 222 clip charts to focus on tons of skills. This includes digraphs, ending blends, and r-controlled vowels. Students will place clothespins on the correct answer to complete the skill. Students love using their hands as they build their phonics knowledge! 

These clip cards are perfect for independent practice, during a small group lesson, or as an early finisher activity. 

Strong phonics instruction will significantly transform how students read and write. Since these are vital life skills, students need lots of practice. Thankfully, these favorite phonics activities will make learning fun and exciting! 

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