Hey there, fabulous educators! 🌟 Are you on the lookout for some quick and easy phonics games that are as fun as they are effective? I'm sure you know about the wonderful free downloadable Roll-and-Read games from the UFLI website! But often, you need some fresh games to keep things interesting!
Well, you're in luck! I've got five super-duper, low-prep games up my sleeve that you can whip out at a moment's notice. These games are perfect for those small group settings, centers, and practice with paraeducators or volunteers! Pull out these print-and-go games when you want to maximize learning without spending hours on prep. So, grab your word lists, and let's dive into the phonics fun!
1. Battleship 🚢
Do your students love some friendly competition? My students BEG to play these print-and-go games! For a game of Battleship, all you need to do is print two "roll and read" game boards from the UFLI website. Set up a privacy screen between the two players. Each student designates their own "ship" on their board. Then, they alternate reading words, trying to pinpoint the location of their opponent's ship. Find it, sink it, and WIN!
2. Honeycomb 🍯
In Honeycomb, students alternate reading words and coloring hexagons on a shared game board, each using their own colored marker or crayon. One player will read a word and color it to claim it. The goal is to create a continuous line connecting the right and left sides of the board. Players are free to color any hexagon during their turn, allowing for strategic moves to block their opponent. The path taken doesn't matter, provided the hexagons form a connected line. I have this game for EACH & EVERY lesson available in my Small Group Intervention packs! Check them out here.
3. ANY board game 🎲
Got a Candyland or Connect-4 game collecting dust? Transform them into educational tools with a simple twist. Create a stack of words, using notecards or cut-outs from the UFLI website's "roll-and-reads." During their turn, students draw a card and must correctly read the word before proceeding. Alternatively, use cards featuring photos or clip art and challenge students to spell the word depicted. This variation not only makes learning fun but also tailors the game to different learning objectives.
4. FREE Digital Games on the UFLI Website 💻
This is a new website that was released in early 2024. Teachers and students can select their word lists and choose a variety of games! There are even digital and movable game pieces. Incorporating technology can be a great way to increase engagement. Click here to check out the website!
5. Dots and boxes ✏️🔲
This is a classic game in which players must draw lines to connect two dots. Each player chooses a color. Players take turns drawing lines to create a square. When a player draws the fourth line to complete a square, they color it to claim it. Then that player gets one extra turn. The player with the most claimed squares wins. These games will be up on my TPT store soon! Click here to check if they're ready....
What word lists should you use?
Find a word list that matches the phonics rule you are teaching. Make sure you choose a list that the students are familiar and comfortable with, so they do not become frustrated with the game.
UFLI has a WONDERFUL word bank that accompanies each lesson. If you don't have the manual, check out the Roll-and-Reads available on their website for free!
There you have it, folks! Five fabulous, low-prep phonics games that you can play with any word list. These games not only spice up your phonics lessons but also cater to different learning styles, ensuring that every student gets a chance to shine. Remember, learning is best when it's fun, so don't be afraid to let loose and get a little silly with your students. Happy teaching! 🎉