Do you have phonics word cards, but not really sure how to use them in your primary classroom? Today I am sharing 5 ways to use phonics word cards to help with blending, segmenting, and matching letter-sounds with these amazing visual tools.
1. Matching Sounds to Letters and Blending
One way to use Phonics Word Cards in your classroom is by having students match or identify the phonics patterns you are teaching in class with the picture cards. For example, if you are working on blends or digraphs, pull those cards from your organizer and have students use letter tiles or other manipulatives to match the picture to the pattern. The same can be done with vowel teams, etc. Have students spell the entire word or just the phonics focus of the week.
2. Orthographic Mapping
Do you use sound boxes for segmenting and spelling? These cards are great for small groups or whole group practice. Display the word, have students map and spell it, then just flip the card to check.
3. Counting Sounds
If your students are struggling with segmenting words or counting their sounds, use magnetic chips and a magnet wand to practice segmenting and blending. This can also be done with syllables. Students love using the magnetic chips and wands.
4. Building Words and Self Checking
Looking for a quick and easy center? Have students build the picture words with whatever building materials you have. Then, they can flip the cards to check their work. If you have students struggling to keep up with the phonics skills you are teaching, just have them match the side with the words and build that way. The exposure to the patterns will help them as they practice applying the new rules they are learning in class. Looking for new ideas for word building materials? Click here to shop a few of my favorites on Amazon.
5. Letter Substitutions
Are your students needing phonemic awareness practice? Have students build the picture words you call out. Then, ask them to change part of the word to spell a new word. For example, start with building the word shark. Next, ask students to change shark to bark. Show them the visual, and then help them relate the spelling of one word to the spelling of the new word. Then, show both sides and how the ending of both words is the same.
Using Phonics Word Cards in your classroom will not only help you teach phonics skills, but also help you teach vocabulary and the meaning of words. Visual learners will connect and apply their new learning in a more tactile way. Looking to purchase a set of Phonics Word Cards? Click here!
Or you can purchase on Teachers Pay Teachers by clicking here! More cards will be added to this growing set so check back often for revisions.
