Two developmentally appropriate classroom activities:

In this game, we use picture cards with different things on them. We listen to the first, middle, or last sound in each word and put the cards in groups based on these sounds. For example, if we hear "cuh" at the start of "cat," we put it with other words that start the same way. If some students find it hard, we can use fewer pictures and real things they can touch, like toys. Using images is a great tool to differentiate classroom instruction because it gives students a way to look at the picture, giving them a hint about the word. Another way teachers can help students that are struggling is to allow them to work together with friends.

We play a game to find words that sound the same at the end. We start with simple words, like "cat," and think of words that end like it, such as "hat" or "mat." For kids who need more help, we can give a list of rhyming words or use pictures. Kids who find it tough can work together and help each other find words that sound alike in the end.

A great activity that parents can do at home is a sound hunt! This activity has very little prep work and is an excellent way for students to continue learning at home. Parents choose a letter sound and then search for things around the house that start with that sound. For example, if you pick the sound "m," you can find something like "milk," "mirror," and "marker." Doing this activity will meet the reading needs of young learners with and without exceptionalities because it helps kids tune into the sounds in words and connect them to the letters they see. One way that families can challenge their kids is by using a timer or turning it into a competition. Parents can give hints or do the activity together for kids who need extra support. Another thing that parents can do is guide the way. Here is a link to help parents with this activity! 

Bingo is a fun game that teachers can use for phonics. In this game, students get bingo cards with different letters on them. The teacher calls out words, and students cover the letters they hear in those words. For example, if the teacher says "cat," students cover the letters c, a, and t on their bingo cards. To support students with special needs, provide bingo cards with larger, clearer letters and use pictures alongside the letters to help associate the sounds with visual cues. For students who struggle with fine motor skills, use markers or chips that are easy to handle. This game is not only inclusive but it is a fun way to get students reading. 

Magnets are great for students because they have different sizes and colors to grab the student's attention. This works by giving students magnetic letters and a board. They can use the letters to build words based on a given sound or word family. For example, if the focus is on the "at" sound, students can use the letters to create words like "cat," "hat," and "bat." This activity can be differentiated for students with exceptionalities by using larger magnetic letters with different colors to help differentiate between consonants and vowels. Another thing that teachers can do is provide word-building mats with clear outlines to guide letter placement, aiding students who struggle with organization.

At home, families can read stories together and pay attention to the letter sounds in words. This helps kids understand how letters make sounds in words, making reading easier. For kids who sometimes find things a bit harder, like reading, doing this activity with their families helps them learn the sounds letters make. And for kids who find reading easy, this activity helps them get even better at reading by focusing on the sounds that letters make in words. Here is a link to help families get started. Supporting Your Child’s Literacy Development | National Center on Improving Literacy

For early childhood educators, vocabulary is crucial because it lays the foundation for all learning. "Reading vocabulary refers to the words that a student can read and understand. When students know more words, they are more able to understand what they read" (Northern Illinois University, 2010). Vocabulary helps children comprehend instructions, engage with books, express their thoughts, and connect with others, setting the stage for academic success and effective communication skills.

Word Wall 

Create a word wall in the classroom with colorful cards displaying new words. Each time you introduce a new word, add it to the wall. Encourage students to use these words in their conversations and writing. For students with special needs, use visuals or pictures alongside the words to aid understanding. Word walls are great because students can see the terms, so they remember what they mean. 

Story Time and Discussion 

Read engaging and age-appropriate stories to the class. Afterward, have discussions about the story, asking questions that encourage students to use new words from the story. This helps expand their vocabulary in context. This activity can be differentiated for students with exceptionalities by using simplified versions of stories with clear, relatable visuals. Provide students with a list of keywords from the story and guide their responses with visual cues or sentence starters.

One of the best ways for families to boost vocabulary at home is by talking about everyday activities, like cooking or going for a walk, using new words. This helps kids learn more words and understand things better. For students with exceptionalities; this activity offers a comfortable and practical way to learn new words in familiar contexts. This activity works for all levels of learning because talking about daily activities with families enriches their vocabulary and makes understanding the world around them even more exciting. Here is a link to help parents get started! 

 Repeated Reading Choose a short text or a favorite book and have students read it multiple times. Repetition helps build confidence and fluency as they become more familiar with the words. For students with special needs, select texts that match their reading level, and use visual aids like highlighters to emphasize key phrases.

Reading Buddy Pair students up and have them take turns reading to each other. This peer interaction encourages a supportive environment while promoting reading fluency. For students with special needs, pair them with more advanced readers who can model fluent reading. Use texts that are engaging and aligned with their interests and abilities.

Echo Reading Families can practice echo reading at home, where a parent or family member reads a sentence and the child repeats it. This helps kids hear fluent reading and improves their own reading flow. For kids with disabilities, echo reading offers a structured way to practice reading, helping build confidence. Similarly, for kids without disabilities, echo reading reinforces smooth reading patterns and strengthens their reading skills. Here is a link to help families! 

Picture Prediction Show students a series of pictures that represent different parts of a story. Teachers ask their students to predict what might happen next in the story based on the pictures. This activity encourages them to think ahead and connect events. For students with special needs, provide simpler picture sequences and guide their predictions with prompts like "What do you think will happen first?" or "Why do you think that?"

Partner Discussions Pair students up to discuss a story they've read together. Encourage them to share their thoughts, ask questions, and explain what they liked. This helps students understand what they are reading. This activity promotes understanding and encourages teamwork. For students with special needs, pair them with a partner who can guide the conversation and provide prompts. Offer visual aids or sentence starters to assist their discussions.

Guess and Check At home, families can read a story and stop before the next part. They can ask what might happen next and talk about ideas. Then, they read on and see if they guessed right. This makes reading fun and helps kids understand stories better. For kids who sometimes find things harder, this activity gives them a way to think about stories step by step. And for kids who find reading easy, it's a cool way to think and talk about stories in a new way.

Here is a link to help parents at home!