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Sounding out accuracy, The Sum of the Parts

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Activity Type: Build Accuracy
Activity Form: Game
Grade: K, 1
Group Size: Small Group
Length: 15 minutes
Materials: index cards
Goal: Given printed word segments, students can correctly blend them together to form a regular word (ca, t -> “caaat” -> “cat”).
Items: All letter sounds learned so far

What to do

  1. Before introducing the game, generate a list of CVC words (or any other word pattern you want students to practice). Copy words onto index cards in parts. For example, for the word cat, write ca on one card and t on a second card. Make enough index cards so that each student can have five and each group has a large enough pile from which to draw.
  2. Today we are going to play a card game called The Sum of the Parts. You are going to play in groups, but each person will play for himself or herself.
  3. In your group, deal each person five cards. Put all the other cards in a pile, face-down.
  4. Each person will take a turn to try to make words with their cards. For example, let’s say I have the card ca. Let’s sound out ca together. "Caaa." I also have the card t. I can build the word cat. I will put the cards on the desk and sound out the word: "caaat…cat."
  5. When it is my turn, I can make as many words as I can. Remember, you can only make real words, not make-believe words. Direct group members to point out if a student has built a nonsense word.
  6. If I can’t make any words, I will pick a card from the pile. I can use that card to make a word. What do you think happens if I still cannot make a word? Ask students to answer. That’s right. It is the next person’s turn. You can only pick one card per round.
  7. When I am done making my words, it is the next person’s turn. You will keep going around the circle until one person gets rid of all of his or her cards. This person is the winner!
  8. If you run out of cards in the pile, you can take all of the cards in words you have already made and make a new pile.
  9. Does anyone have any questions? Answer questions, clarifying the activity.
  10. Walk around and observe as student play the game. For students who struggle, offer help and make notes in an Activity Log.


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