Differentiation: Allow whisper phones for speech-sensitive students. Use large-print sentence strips with symbols or visuals. Pre-record sentences for AAC users.

Partner Poem Reading
Children read short poems in pairs with expression.

Differentiation: Provide shorter, familiar text. Model fluency first. Allow students to act out or use puppets instead of speaking.

Re-read a favorite book together, switching who reads each page.

Boosts confidence and automatic word recognition while supporting children with varying reading speeds.

Differentiation: Use tactile items for students with visual impairments or limited motor skills. Reduce the number of options for students who need simplified tasks. Provide sound cues or AAC options for nonverbal learners.

Clap It Out (Syllable Counting)
Students clap out syllables in spoken words (e.g., “ap-ple” = 2 claps).

Differentiation: Use visuals like hand icons or visual timers for ELLs or students with processing delays. Offer sound files for auditory learners. Allow stomping or using rhythm instruments.

Use sticky notes to label common items with their first letters (e.g., “F” on fridge). Say the letter sound together.

This supports phonics learning through print in a child's natural environment and is easy to adjust for children with different learning needs.

Match spoken sounds with letter cards on a bingo board.

Differentiation: Use large print or textured cards. Allow a peer helper. Incorporate picture clues for non-readers or ELLs.

Build-a-Word with Magnetic Letters

Form simple CVC words (cat, map) using magnetic letters.

Differentiation: Provide color-coded consonants/vowels. Use word templates. Offer voiced directions or AAC for support.

Label kitchen items with their beginning letter and say the letter sound when using them.

Helps children make sound-symbol connections in daily routines. Adaptable for children with cognitive or speech delays.

Differentiation: Use visual supports or sign language; integrate multilingual vocabulary for ELLs; repeat usage throughout the day.

Vocabulary Journals
Students draw pictures and write/tell about new words they learn.

Differentiation: Provide pre-printed words/pictures; allow oral responses or use of AAC; challenge advanced learners with synonyms/antonyms.

Promotes deeper word learning in meaningful ways. Supports kids with limited verbal output through visuals or examples.

Differentiation: Use picture sequence cards. Allow non-verbal students to arrange images or act out. Provide sentence starters for verbal responses.

Think-Pair-Share
After a read-aloud, students think about a question, discuss with a partner, and share.

Differentiation: Offer visual prompts. Pair verbal and non-verbal students. Use sentence frames.

Encourages active thinking and inferencing. Visual learners and students with autism benefit from previewing picture cues before answering.