Sounding Out Accuracy: Word Swatter Game

Activity Type: Build Fluency

Activity Form: Game

Grade: K,1

Group Size: Small Group

Length: 10 minutes

Materials: Two fly swatters

Goal: Sound out and then say the word ( abc -> "aaabbbcc" -> "abc" )

What to do

Write 15 to 25 words on the board. This activity also works well with nonsense words such as jop, mig, rab, etc. (Nonsense words help you gauge whether a student is really sounding out or has just recognized the word by sight.)
Divide students into two teams and have each team stand in a line 6 to 12 feet from the board.
Hand the first student in each line a fly swatter.
When I say a word, the first person in each team must (run, jump, crab walk, etc.) to the board and swat the word. The first person to swat the word and sound it out correctly gets a point for his or her team.
Before beginning, model what you would like your students to do. For example, stand in line by your students and say the word Frog. Then, (run, jump, crab walk, etc.) to the board and swat the word. Say fffrrrooog … frog!
If a student swats the correct words but sounds it out incorrectly, you can either help the student or give the student from the other team a chance.