# data[].attributes.body
* Good for Rhyme
* Positive message - help & care for others
* Teaches similar sounds and different spellings - Noni vs pony

# data[].attributes.body
* Good for teaching preference, "What is your favourite sheep?" (introduction to persuasion for prep)
* Similar letter sounds for spelling - sheep, asleep

# data[].attributes.body
* Teaching rhyme
* Good for teaching phonics

# data[].attributes.body
* Lots of images if students are stuck on text
* Nice short chapters
* Lesson Plan idea: "What would be in the levels of your tree house? - adjectives activities / vocabulary development

# data[].attributes.body
* Inference
* Prepositions
* Information from images (multimodal)
* Create story from pictures (students create their own)

# data[].attributes.body
* Read differently forward to backwards
* Comment on society
* Write sentences backwards / forwards with different meaning - could link to poetry.

# data[].attributes.body
* Code switching
* Different types of language - help with teaching language for different situations (comment on power and societal roles - older students)

# data[].attributes.body
* Multimodal - imagery/ text to support story
* Gender roles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Piggy Book by Anthony Browne | Story Time

# data[].attributes.body
* Phonics
* Rhyme
* Lesson Plan idea: What character would you add on the broom? What would they lose? - generate rhyming words for this.  (Vocabulary development)
**Good author - other books included

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Room on the Broom - Julia Donaldson.. Children's Story. Audiobook - read-aloud.

# data[].attributes.headline
Adjectives Fashion show (Year 1 - Year 4)

# data[].attributes.subject
Adjectives Fashion show (Year 1 - Year 4)

# data[].attributes.body
Lesson idea to develop students vocabulary
* Inquiry learning
* Could be adapted, using other ideas besides fashion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Log in to follow creators, like videos, and view comments.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
we had a blast 😂 #teachertip #tiktokteacher #workit

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
@thenewkiddinator
we had a blast 😂 #teachertip #tiktokteacher #workit
♬ Make It Right [Originally Performed by Bts & Lauv] - Instrumental - Felipe Hunt

# data[].attributes.headline
Functional Grammar - Mini lessons (Year 2+)

# data[].attributes.subject
Functional Grammar - Mini lessons (Year 2+)

# data[].attributes.body
Sequential lesson plans for teaching functional grammar
* Can adapt for needs and age of class
* "Mini" lessons so can slot in to own lesson, or use to build upon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Navigation

Language & Meaning Project

Overview

Project Materials

Sitemap

Project Materials‎ > ‎

Mini-Lessons

Mini-Lesson 1: Word Choice
Mini-Lesson 2: Parts of a sentence

Mini-Lesson 3: Processes and Circumstances

Subpages (3): Mini-Lesson 1 Mini-Lesson 2 Mini-Lesson 3

Comments

# data[].attributes.body
* Match words and develop vocabulary
* Can work in pairs
* Need access to technology

# data[].attributes.headline
App: Vocabulary spelling city (Prep - Year 3)

# data[].attributes.subject
App: Vocabulary spelling city (Prep - Year 3)

# data[].attributes.body
* Students learn how to spell different word inc prefixes/ suffixes
* Helps with grammar
* Links to mathematics & science words (literacy across other subjects)

# data[].attributes.body
Students have to generate antonyms for words - develop vocabulary.
* Lesson plan idea: Could use antonyms generated - pick most appropriate one. Develop understanding of nuances in language.

# data[].attributes.body
Students create as many words as they can from provided word.
* Develop spelling and vocabulary.

# data[].attributes.headline
Vocabulary development games (Can adapt to most ages)

# data[].attributes.subject
Vocabulary development games (Can adapt to most ages)

# data[].attributes.body
* Pictionary
* Fill in the blanks (complete a sentence)
* Nine box grid (9 words- write sentence with word rolled)
* Categories - vocabulary review i.e write as many words starting with t as can

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this post, we'll share four classroom games that we also find effective in teaching vocabulary to English Language Learners.
Nine Box Grid
We use this simple game, which we learned and modified from English teacher Katie Toppel, a lot. As you can see from the image, it's just a matter of putting nine words (or, when we teach phonics, letters) on a numbered three-by-three grid (for a total of nine boxes/spaces) on the class whiteboard.

Then, we give students mini-whiteboards (sometimes they play with a partner and sometimes individually), markers, and erasers/cloths (if you haven't invested in a class set of mini-whiteboards, we'd strongly advise you do so - either buying them from a store or making your own - search "make mini-whiteboards" online for instructions).

Next, we take out two huge foam dice we bought online for a few dollars. One student rolls the dice and then everyone gets one minute to write a sentence on their board using the chosen word or writing a word using the letter. If they roll an eleven or twelve, they must use their choice of two words or letters on the grid. Students are told to hold up their boards at the end of a minute and the teacher gives some quick feedback.

Then, another student rolls the dice and the game continues. Unlike some of our other games, we don't keep score in this one and students enjoy it just the same.

After a few turns, we'll ask the rollers of the dice to change a word or letter on the grid. This move promotes more student engagement and ownership (though it can get a bit loud each time the dice roller is lobbied by the rest of the class when they are at the board!).
Fill-In-The-Blank
This simple game also requires mini-whiteboards - one per group. We usually have students divide into pairs and give each "partner group" a number. We then put the number on the board and give them points when they make a correct answer.

In this game, the teacher writes and reads or just says a cloze/gap-fill sentence ("Mr. Ferlazzo is a "; "I am going to over the weekend").

Students must fill in the blank and write a complete sentence on their board. They will get one point for every word they add if the sentence is correct - this feature encourages students to avoid the easiest answers. However, if there is an error in their more complex sentence, they do not get any points - no matter how many other words they use. In this game, as in all of the games, the teacher is the ultimate Decider!

However, even though the teacher is the final judge, students can also take turns being the leader and giving the class their own clozes.
Pictionary
Everybody reading this book probably is already familiar with Pictionary. The teacher or a student draws an object, living being, or action on the front board or document camera, and then students (again with whiteboards) are given a minute to write down what they think is being drawn. We want to encourage full-class participation, so in our version people don't shout out their answer and students don't get points for being "first." Everyone who has the correct answer written down thirty seconds after the drawing is completed receives a point, and can "bet it all" prior to the last drawing.
Categories
We use this game primarily for vocabulary review. Students are divided into pairs and, as usual, each group is given one mini-whiteboard. The teacher calls out names of categories (home, animals, things that move, things made of metal, things that people do for fun, etc.). Students are given one-minute to write down as many (classroom appropriate) items as they can on their whiteboard. They get a point for each one that is correct. This game can also create opportunities for speaking practice when there is a dispute about an answer - students had to convince us once that "fighting" qualified under "things that people do for fun."

The "category" could also be "words that start with the letter 'b'". And, if you are teaching a more advanced ELL class, you can even make it more challenging by combining two categories (e.g. "words that start with t and are in a home").

You can do this occasionally in reverse and throw in a question where you give the words and they have to write the name of the category.

These four are just a small sampling of games that can be used in class for vocabulary instruction. You can find more here, and we hope you'll share your own in the comments.

Larry has written a previous British Council post sharing other vocabulary instructional strategies and links to online games ( see Five Strategies For ELL Vocabulary Instruction)
(This is adapted from the new book, The ELL Teacher's Toolbox: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students, by Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski )

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this post, we'll share four classroom games that we also find effective in teaching vocabulary to English Language Learners.Nine Box GridWe use this simple game, which we learned and modified from English teacher Katie Toppel, a lot.

# data[].attributes.body
* When to use different conjunctions
* Functional grammar
* Can be printed resource for students/ displayed in class

# data[].attributes.headline
Functional grammar - across genres (From year 2+)

# data[].attributes.subject
Functional grammar - across genres (From year 2+)

# data[].attributes.body
How to use functional grammar when creating Exposition, biography, explanation, information text, discussion piece, recount, narrative procedure, advert, review, descriptive
* Details for students about content of genres
* Could be printed as column checklists depending on type of work completing

# data[].attributes.body
* Sequential progression of phonemes and words to teach students reading and spelling

# data[].attributes.headline
Tips to help students make their writing fun (All ages)

# data[].attributes.subject
Tips to help students make their writing fun (All ages)

# data[].attributes.body
* Aimed at parents, but ideas can be translated to classroom
* Include providing purpose, treating them like real authors (bind & put in bookshelf - love this!), give freedom - writing time doesn't always have to be so structured

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For many learners, writing is their least favorite subject. Today, I'm sharing 25 of my favorite ways to make writing fun {yes, and even a little handwriting fun is mixed in, too}.

*This post contains affiliate links.

25 Ways to Make Writing FUN!

1- Read rich literature of all genres to your child. Talk about how the author used this "fancy" word instead of a "boring" word. Point out the climax of the story and how the author resolved the problem. Help your child see that they can piggyback on or use these ideas in their own writing.

2- Give them the freedom to just write/draw without over-correcting spellings, letter formation, etc. There will be times when these things are important and need to be corrected, but sometimes kids just need a "judgment-free" zone.

3- Let them write about things that interest them. So what if he just wrote his 5th book on playing soccer? At least he's writing! If his written works all start sounding the same, suggest that he write about the rules of soccer, how his team won their last game, or even a soccer poem.

4- Provide resources, such as a sight word folder, a book you've just read together, labels around your house, sight word cards, or a kids' spelling dictionary. You can find TONS of fun and hands-on spelling ideas and resources right here on my blog!

5- Write for authentic purposes (letters, thank you cards, pen pals, a grocery list, etc.). And while they're writing those letters, it's the perfect time to teach them the conventions.

6- Allow them to use invented spelling in a developmentally appropriate way. {The key to this is to hold them accountable for what they know.}

7- Not every misspelling or incorrect convention has to become a "teachable moment" or mini lesson. Sometimes kids just want someone to encourage their creativity, not nit-pick their every mistake. Ouch.

8- Treat them as a "real" author by putting the books they've written on the bookshelf to be read, right along with all your other books. One of the goals of Preschool & Kindergarten Writing Lessons as well as Simple Writing Lessons for Primary Grades was to give you practical lessons for teaching writing in this manner.

The Measured Mom's Writing Workshop Pack is also a fantastic resource for the classroom OR at home!

If you're looking for a full-blown writing curriculum that teaches writing this way, check out WriteShop!

9- Give them an audience for their writing. Find ways for them to share what they've written. Often times writers are frustrated because they do not have someone to write TO. Kids need an audience. A reader. Someone who will respond to their creation, ask questions, or comment. Give them feedback.

That audience or reader can make writing more authentic and much more meaningful to young writers. This is why I think letters to others are a great tool. There's a built-in audience just by nature of writing a letter.

10- Don't overuse it! Kids don't need to write a summary, fill out a worksheet, or answer questions in a Reading Response Journal every time they've read a text. These things are good things in moderation, but sometimes a simple discussion between the two of you will suffice. This is true for every child, but especially struggling readers.

11- Organize your home for writing or provide some fun writing manipulatives {see the list of fun writing tools below}

12- Create a writer's toolbox for your child. This makes for a GREAT birthday present!

13- Provide writing prompts {with limits}. I'm not a huge advocate of writing prompts, but I think creative writing prompts can spark an idea sometimes. If you're looking for some creative prompts for K-2nd grades, I have some for every month of the year.

Make Writing Fun with Writing Tools

These are some of our tried and true writing tools. We have had most of these in our home for 10+ years and they're still going strong!

By the way, all of these make GREAT gifts for kids!

14- Magna Doodle is mess free and the "pen" can't get lost! Woohoo! We also have a portable Magna Doodle that's a better size for the car.
15 - Boogie Board - a great alternative to the Magna Doodle and GREAT for school-age kids. {Fun for practicing spelling words, too!}

21- Crayola makes awesome markers and crayons for glass surfaces {we've used ours on the windows in the house as well as mirrors}.

22- dry erase boards and markers- you can buy some or make your own with shower boards {found at your local hardware store}, Crayola makes washable dry erase markers

23- highlighters - kids of all ages {even 5th graders} like to use highlighters!

24- Work mazes and puzzles. We took our Puzzle Buzz Magazine, pulled them apart, and made a puzzle/maze book that young kiddos have enjoyed over and over again. Just slip the pages into plastic sleeve protectors, place in a notebook, and use dry erase marker. So easy!

Use a simple writing "desk". I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our 25-collapsible lap desks. Each of my kiddos has one. They are sturdy, have storage inside, and fold up to store easily. Plus we can take writing anywhere because it travels well!

What are some of your favorite ways to make writing fun? Share your ideas in the comments!

Follow This Reading Mama's board Writing Ideas for Kids on Pinterest.

Enjoy writing!
~Becky

*First image from Adobe Stock.
*Font by KG Fonts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Ways to Make Writing Fun - This Reading Mama

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For many learners, writing is their least favorite subject. Today, I'm sharing 25 of my favorite ways to make writing fun {yes, and even a little handwriting fun is mixed in, too}. *This post contains affiliate links. 1- Read rich literature of all genres to your child.

# data[].attributes.body
Topic ideas include: prompt cards, dice game, dialogues, writing structure
* Can adapt for age group
* Ways to make writing more engaging

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I often hear students protest, “But I’m not creative.” And moms look at me with a shoulder shrug and a mirror claim, “I’m not creative either.”

I don’t buy in.

We have been gifted with a creativity muscle. It’s just that it doesn’t work properly if it hasn’t been exercised.

As I design creative writing lessons, my goal is to provide you with engaging, hands-on activities–creative writing exercises to keep your students smiling, laughing, and moving that yellow pencil (or purple marker!) across the page.

The Importance of Creative Writing

Why should you care about creative writing? Because creative writers are creative thinkers.

Creative thinkers are resourceful problem-solvers. They aren’t afraid to try new things as their curiosity leads them to experiment. Creative thinkers gain emotional intelligence as they explore their own thoughts and feelings, the thoughts and feelings of others, and the big, big world around them.

Creative writing doesn’t have to be hard, scary, or dreadful. I promise. I’m here to help you deliver interesting, enjoyable lessons to your students.

Browse the lessons below to find the just-right creative writing activity for your students.

Creative Writing Lessons and Activities for Early Elementary

Character Sketch: My Pet Dragon
Even young students can write a character sketch with this guided writing activity. Students fill out the pet dragon form and then write a short sketch using the information on the form.

Christmas Story Writing Prompts
Flip, flap, and mix until you find a setting, characters, and conflict you want to use for your short story.

Circus Writing Prompt Cards
This set of writing prompt cards is great for kids who need help generating ideas. The prompts are questions. As the students answer the questions, they will have ample ideas for writing a circus themed story.

Creative Writing Activities for Kids
This group of activities from other bloggers will provide you with lots of new ideas for your students.

Creative Writing Dice Game
You can partner with your student for this fun dice game; it is the perfect remedy for students who balk at pushing their pencils.

Design a Circus Poster Creative Writing Activity
Another great activity for reluctant writers; the circus poster only includes a tiny bit of writing, but a great bit of creating thinking.

Dialogue Lesson Plan for Young Writers
Introduce the importance of dialogue with This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen. This lesson also includes a hands-on dice writing game that helps students write their own dialogue examples.

Dinosaur Creative Writing Prompts
This set of writing prompts will help your student write a paragraph or journal entry about dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Writing Prompt Cards
This set of writing prompt cards will motivate your student to write a dinosaur themed short story. The cards are structured in a way to help your student generate gobs of ideas for a short story.

Fairy Tale Writing Prompts
Inspire your student to write with fairy tale settings, objects, and characters.

Halloween Story Writing Prompts
Write spooky stories with this set of flip, mix, and match strips. Students are given various options for settings, characters, and conflicts.

Hot Air Balloon Writing Prompt Cards
If your student complains about not knowing what to write about, try this set of adventure themed writing prompt cards. You can easily guide your student through the writing process with these prompts.

Imaginary Animals Writing Activity
Even young students in kindergarten and first grade can enjoy a creative writing lesson. Your students will love creating crazy animals with playdough and using the writing form to compose simple paragraphs.

Listmaking Writing Prompts
Students may not be ready to write sentences or paragraphs, but you can entice them to make lists with these engaging prompts.

Mad Science: Adjectives Writing Lab
First, students will imagine wonderful and strange things hissing and fizzing in a mad scientist’s lab. Next, students will name and write a description for each item. Finally, students will use their descriptions to write paragraphs about the mad scientist’s lab.

Monster Creative Writing Prompt Cards
Boost your student’s imagination with these monster creative writing prompts. You can use these for paragraph writing or journal entries; some of the prompts might even lead to short stories.

Mystery Writing Prompts
Do you have a super sleuth? Let your detective try writing some mystery stories using these prompts.

Nurture Creative Thinking with Wordless Books
The precursor to creative writing is creative thinking. This activity, designed to build your student’s creative thinking skills, is based on Aaron Becker’s wordless books, Journey and Quest.

Pet Picture Writing Prompts
I love using pictures for prompts! Grab this set of free pet pictures and use some of the ideas in the post to get your students writing about pets.

Pirate Writing Prompts
It’s a pirate’s life with these fun prompts. Print and cut out the cards. Laminate and put them on a ring and let your student pick one and write.

Teach Parts of a Story with a Picture Book
Use Help! We Need a Title! by Herve Tullet to teach your student about author, title, characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.

Super Hero Writing Prompts
Save the day with these fun prompts for your students.

Thanksgiving Dice Writing Activity
Your students will laugh out loud as they create silly sentences about Thanksgiving.

Use a Picture Book Teach the Story Element of Conflict
The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg is a fantastic base for teaching how to add conflict and resolution to a short story. Use the lesson and game to teach it to your students.

Writing Activity for Sam and Dave Dig a Hole: Make a List
Use the book Sam and Dave Dig a Hole to inspire your student to create a fun (and funny!) list.

Write Backstories for Fairy Tale Characters
Have you ever wondered what Rapunzel was doing before she got trapped in that tower? Or what about Goldilocks? What was she doing before she invaded the Three Bears’ house? Explore all kinds of writing possibilities with this fun creative writing lesson.

You can also find an assortment of creative writing lessons and activities for elementary students in the Tip-Top Printables Shop.

Creative Writing Lessons and Activities for Upper Elementary

Pictures to Inspire Creative Writing
If you are looking for an easy way to boost interest in creative writing, try this simple activity.

Pourquoi Tales Writing Lesson
Why does the leopard have spots? How did the bear lose its tail? Let your students build their creative thinking skills while composing pourquoi tales with this lesson plan.

Creative Writing Lessons for a Homeschool Co-op

I taught this series of posts for a local homeschool co-op, but you can use them however you want.

from the Showing vs. Telling Lesson

Creative Writing Lesson One: Cliché and Metaphor
Students learn the importance of words with this lesson–including how to avoid clichés and what makes a great metaphor.

Creative Writing Lesson Two: Sensory Details
Students consider how a reader experiences the world through writing and how sensory details are a key part of that experience.

Creative Writing Lesson Three: Showing vs. Telling
Students learn how to recognize authors who utilize showing, and students will be able to articulate the difference between showing and telling.

Creative Writing Lesson Four: Capturing Images
Image is essential. Students learn why images are necessary and how to capture their own.

Creative Writing Lesson Five: Character and Conflict
Introduce character and conflict and why these story elements are vital for short story writers.

Creative Writing Lesson Six: Point of View
Students learn about point of view and then enjoy reading poems and using pictures to write descriptions from different points of view (and perspectives).

Creative Writing Lesson Seven: Fractured Fairy Tales
As we work to put together everything we’ve learned in the previous lessons, students begin composing their own fractured fairy tales.

Creative Writing Lesson Eight: Revision
After a mini-lesson about revision, students partner up for peer editing.

You can use this Writing Ideas Notebook to help your students record and explore dozens of writing ideas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Engaging Creative Writing Lessons for Your Students - Walking by the Way

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Grab these creative writing lessons to keep your students smiling, laughing, and moving that yellow pencil across the page.

# data[].attributes.headline
Editing checklists for writing (Prep- Year 4)

# data[].attributes.subject
Editing checklists for writing (Prep- Year 4)

# data[].attributes.body
Different checklists (Various ages)
* Tick list involves students
* Personal - can complete themselves, build autonomy
* Can laminate for reuse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Editing Checklists for K-5 Learners - This Reading Mama

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you’re teaching writing with the writing process model of Writing Workshop, then you’ll want to grab these FREE Editing Checklist for K-5 Learners. *This post contains affiliate links. **The free downloads can be found at the END of this post. Just click on the teal download button. Free Editin…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Free Editing Checklists for K-5 Learners

# data[].attributes.body
Phonics books to download and create for students
* Can be used across a lesson, for progression or in classroom library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to assemble

Print the pages front to back, starting on page 2. (Page 1 is my Terms of Use - be sure not to print it or they will all be messed up!) I like to print on light or medium cardstock.

Each book will be two full sheets of paper, front to back. Cut on the horizontal center of each book. (I love our paper cutter! I've used it for years. A little pricey on Amazon, but you might be able to get it at Michaels with a coupon.)

Fit the pages together in their proper order.

Fold.

Staple on the fold with a long-armed stapler.

Click on each link to enter your email address and get the book emailed to you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get over 130 free printable phonics books for kids to learn the common phonics patterns - from CVC words and silent e words to words with prefixes and suffixes! #phonics #kindergarten #learningtoread

# data[].attributes.body
Videos for - phonics, phonemic awareness, rhyme, syllables, blending/ segments, letter sounds, digraphs, silent e, r-controlled words.
* Use per lesson to break up teaching in fun & interactive way
* Songs for students for engagement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Videos are an engaging and effective way to teach phonics to kids. I've compiled a giant list of YouTube videos for every phonics lesson! Your students will love learning and practicing phonics with these engaging videos.

I love using videos to "hook" my students before a lesson, review a previously taught concept, or to introduce something totally new!

Let's face it - our students are 21st century learners who love screen time. Why not use that to our advantage?

I've compiled a list of teacher-approved YouTube videos for EVERY phonics skill! 🙌

As you can imagine, this took me a very long time.

Every time I went to teach a new skill, I would spend time at home queuing up the perfect intro video(s), or review video(s), for my lesson. Add up all those hours and I spent way too much time on this. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Now don't get me wrong. The time spent is TOTALLY worth it. When your students burst into song about phonics that helps them remember how to read, your teacher heart will burst!

But let's be real. Ain't nobody got time for that! 🤪

Especially you, right??

I know you're busy. (And overworked, but that's another blog post, isn't it?)

Don't worry, I've got your back!

(My teacher friends and I spent time making sure that these were the latest-and-greatest phonics videos, and not just the ones that I used a few years ago.)

Below, I've listed ALL of the videos.

Here they are, in one place, to save YOU time! #YAY 🎉

Bookmark this page on your computer, and you'll never waste hours searching for the perfect video for your phonics lesson. (Like I did. 🙋🏽‍♀️)

Disclaimer: While I personally believe these videos are appropriate for preschool, kindergarten and first grade classrooms, remember that there can often be inappropriate ads before and after YouTube videos. Also, I always recommend previewing the full video before showing it to your class.
If you plan to show YouTube videos in your classroom, I highly recommend that you read this blog post by Catherine, the Brown Bag Teacher. She shares three ways to eliminate YouTube video ads so that you can safely play these learning videos in your classroom.

Wait, how do I know when to teach a new phonics skill?

Are you wondering which phonics skills you should teach, and in what order? Before sharing these videos with your students, be sure to check this free phonics scope and sequence!

Videos for Teaching Phonemic Awareness

Since phonological and phonemic awareness are the foundation of learning to read using phonics, I decided to include these in the list, too!
Videos for Teaching and Practicing Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Songs for Teaching and Practicing Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Videos for Teaching and Practicing Rhyming
Videos for Teaching and Practicing Syllables
Videos for Teaching and Practicing Blending and Segmenting Sounds in Words
Videos for Teaching Phonics
Videos for Teaching and Practicing Letter Sounds Videos for Teaching and Practicing Letter Blends Videos for Teaching and Practicing Digraphs Videos for Teaching and Practicing Reading CVC Words Videos for Teaching and Practicing CVCe Silent E/Sneaky E/ Magic E Videos for Teaching and Practicing R-Controlled Vowels
Videos for Teaching and Practicing Vowel Diphthongs (AKA Vowel Digraphs)
Videos for Teaching and Practicing Reading Multisyllabic Words
The Effective Way to Teach Phonics

Did you know that teaching phonics is like teaching driving? 🚗

⚠️If you don't know what I'm talking about, you need to read this analogy.⚠️ It will change the way you teach phonics - for the better!

Click to read about the most effective way to teach phonics!

More Phonics Videos for Your Lessons

As I find more videos for teaching reading, or as YouTube gains more awesome videos for our reading lessons, I'll be sure to update this page! 🥳

Don't forget to bookmark it, so you can come back and again and again. 😉

Oh, and if I missed any of your favorites, please save us all time and let me know in the comments below. ? I'll be sure to add them to this post!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Giant List of YouTube Videos for Teaching Students Phonics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Videos are an engaging and effective way to teach phonics to kids. I've compiled a giant list of YouTube videos for every phonics lesson! Your students will love learning and practicing phonics with these engaging videos. I love using videos to "hook" my students before a lesson, review a previously taught concept, or to introduce something totally new!

# data[].attributes.body
* Resources and games (downloadable)
* Could use in rotations for phonics work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Phonemic awareness isn't taught in a day! Constant consolidation of children's phonemic awareness is crucial, especially in the early years. For more information on the English language system check out our blog: A Guide to the English Language System.

This blog outlines some fantastic phonics resources and activity ideas that can be used in the classroom environment.

Digraph Bug Swatting

A small group digraph bug swatting game to consolidate the concept of digraph graphemes at the beginning of a word.

How to use this resource:

1. Laminate and cut out the game cards and four bugs.

2. It is best to have a fly swat; however, students can just use their hands.

3. Place the bugs on the floor and the game cards in a pile beside the bugs.

4. Students take turns to turn over a game card. They must say the word that is on the card, then swat the bug that shows the corresponding digraph e.g. if the students chose the card showing the word ship, the student would need to swat the bug with the sh digraph on it.

Monster Mash Sorting Activity [New Resource]

This Monster Mash Sorting activity is best suited to be used in a small group or as an individual activity to consolidate the concept of different graphemes.

How to use this resource:

1. Laminate and cut out each of the monster posters.

2. Laminate and cut out the word flashcards or picture flashcards for sorting.

3. Pick the graphemes you want to focus on and have students sort the words/pictures into the monster's mouths.

Ninja Race Phonics Game [New Resource]

This Nina Race Phonics game is a fun, engaging board game to consolidate students' understanding of digraphs and rhyme.

How to use this resource:

1. In this ninja inspired phonics game, students use their knowledge of sounds and blends to move their ninja to the top of the building by rhyming and creating new words.

2. The winner is the first person to reach their Sensei at the top of the building.

3. The 'My Ninja Words' worksheet included in this resource can be used for students to record the words they came up with during the playing of the game.

Consonant Digraph BINGO [New Resource]

This Consonant Digraph Bingo is suitable as a whole class or small group activity.

How to use this resource:

1. Laminate and cut out the bingo cards and bingo calling cards.

2. Pull the consonant digraph cards out and have students put a marker over the picture that contains that digraph if they have it on their card.

3. Your students can decide if they need to find three pictures vertically or horizontally to win.

Finger Twist Up Game [New Resource]

Our Finger Twist Up game is a fun, engaging board game to consolidate students' understanding of blends and phonemes.

How to use this resource:

1. Laminate each game board and create the spinner.

2. Provide a group of 3 with one game board and one spinner.

3. Allocate one person as the 'spinner' for the first round.

4. The player with the next birthday goes first.

5. The 'spinner' spins the arrow on the colour wheel.

6. Player 1 places a finger on an initial blend of the colour spun (eg. a red 'bl').

7. The 'spinner' spins again.

8. Player 1 places another finger on a final sound of the colour spun (eg. a green 'ow') to complete a full word (eg. 'blow').

9. Player 1 keeps their fingers in position for Player 2's turn. Repeat the process until one player cannot complete a full word with their fingers.

10. The winner is the person who has completed the most words.

Jumble Mania Game

Use our Jumble Mania resource as an ongoing game that encourages students to use the provided letters to make as many words as they can. This resource has everything you need to create a bright and fun display board in your classroom: borders, letters for the heading, circle cut out phonemes, score sheets and a 'words we can make' poster.

How to use this resource:

1. Print, laminate and cut out all of the phoneme circles - you may like to create a couple of sets of these to make it easier for students to create words.

2. Laminate the score sheet so it can be wiped clean and used again.

3. Display Jumble Mania and throughout the day, students use the provided letters and the score sheet to write any words that they can make.

Word Family Slide Activity

Use this set of 12 word family slides to create a fun individual or small group activity using planes. A great activity to help consolidate the concept rhyme and word families.

How to use this resource:

Provide each small group with one word family to focus on. Alternatively, each group member could have their own word family.

Students move the letter strip to make a word, then match the word with the correct picture using the picture strip.

Students say the word and then use the word in a sentence.

Phoneme Flashcards (3 games, 1 resource)

We have sets of phoneme flashcards for the main phonemes in the English language system. A great way to compare the different phonemes for the same grapheme.

Phonemes included:

How to use this resource:

These flashcards can be used in a number of ways...

In small groups, students need to match each picture with its word. Next, with a whiteboard marker they must write in the missing phonemes.

In small groups, students play memory, matching the picture with its word.

In small groups, students play snap, matching the picture with its word.

Blends Fish Sorting Activity

Use our Consonant Blends Fishbowl sorting game in small groups or as a whole class to consolidate the learning of beginning consonant blends.

How to use this resource:

Laminate and cut out each fishbowl and set of goldfish.

Choose a blend group for the students to sort.

Students work in groups to sort the goldfish into the correct blend fish bowl.

Students write the words for each blend group into their workbooks.

Vowel Digraph BINGO [New Resource]

This Vowel Digraph Bingo is suitable as a whole class or small group activity.

How to use this resource:

1. Laminate and cut out the bingo cards and bingo cards.

2. Pull the vowel digraph cards out and have students put a marker over the picture that contains that digraph if they have it on their card.

3. Your students can decide if they need to find three pictures vertically or horizontally to win.

Single Sounds Games

Some fun games to play to help students in the early years consolidate their knowledge of single sounds, including CVC words.

[resource:16134][resource:17007][resource:17149][resource:51761]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
16 Hands On Phonics Games for the Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This blog outlines some fantastic phonics resources and activity ideas that can be used in the classroom environment.

# data[].attributes.headline
Engage struggling readers & writers (All ages)

# data[].attributes.subject
Engage struggling readers & writers (All ages)

# data[].attributes.body
Good tips to assist students
* Include utilising their strengths, collaboration, autonomy & choice, using routine

# data[].attributes.headline
Picture books to help understand mathematical content - level 1-4. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Picture books to help understand mathematical content - level 1-4. 

# data[].attributes.body
Link literacy and mathematics for students
* Can select topic & age level
* Use in English class, at book level - analyse text/ pictures (also teaching maths)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why use picture books in a maths class? Using picture books with mathematical content can be an effective way to engage students and explore problems within entertaining contexts. (read more)

Select a cell from the table below to see a list of books with mathematical content suitable for a particular level AND strand. Selecting a row or column heading will provide a list of books with mathematical content at that level OR strand. Some books appear at more than one level or strand.

If you have suggestions of other books that you think should be added to this collection please click to email them to us, including as much information about the book as possible.

Click to download a spreadsheet of all picture books listed in this section (.xlsx, 18KB)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why use picture books in a maths class? Using picture books with mathematical content can be an effective way to engage students and explore problems within entertaining contexts. (read more) Select a cell from the table below to see a list of books with mathematical content suitable for a particular level AND strand.

# data[].attributes.body
Give students opportunity to design and make own book.
Mulitmodal tool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Book Creator - Love Learning - Book Creator app

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teachers love it. Students love it. Book Creator is the simplest, most inclusive way to create content in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Can select year level & content to practice - some good games to develop understanding of grammar. i.e. Order the words to make a sentence yr3
* Has multiple games on various content. Can be utilised across different content.
* Topics include phonics, grammar, reading skills, writing skills, vocabulary development
* Offer skill builders
* Sequential content
* Different way to build student skills without didactic teaching (increase engagement)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Testimonials

We like the rewards and certificates; our children work very hard to receive these! The reports are also brilliant in keeping us informed of the levels our children have reached and where they need extra help.

Linda Rindfleish, parent

Coolah, New South Wales

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IXL is the world's most popular subscription-based learning site. Used by over 14 million students, IXL provides unlimited practice in more than 5500 maths and English topics. Interactive questions, awards and certificates keep kids motivated as they master skills.

# data[].attributes.body
* Word hunts - get students to identify vocabulary in hunts
* Can also work on spelling & word patterns (make connections)
* Students hunt for other words that follow the same spelling features studied during their word or picture sort.
* Tips for linking other subjects
* Differentiation ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Word Hunts | Classroom Strategy | Reading Rockets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Word hunts are one way to focus spelling study on patterns within words. Typically used within word study, word hunt activities engage students with texts they have previously read. Students hunt for other words that follow the same spelling features studied during their word or picture sort. Word h…