Word Bingo is an enjoyable way to get students of all levels to focus on new site words. Those who are not reading yet can practice letter recognition and sounds. Create a sheet with 18 squares on it. Read a list of 18 words and write them on the board. Ask the students to randomly assign one word to each square. Younger students who are still learning letters can simplify by using the first letter of each word as long as you use 18 different starting consonants or vowels. Use squares of paper or small objects that you can get in quantity (jelly beans or pretzel twists work well) to cover the squares. Choose a student to read the words or letters in a random order. The first child to cover an entire word or row wins.
Sound Clapping is for beginners who are struggling with creating a smooth rhythm while reading. It is important for the young reader to be able to break a word into its syllables when trying to sound out the word and then read it within a sentence. Start with the child's name. For example, say, Ben-ja-min and clap three times. Practice other words and names until the child seems comfortable. Create a pat-clap rhythm. Use flash cards or a picture book, and have the child keep the rhythm going while breaking the word into its parts. Work toward having the child read a list of words with one pat or clap between each new word. This game also works in groups.
Comprehension is vital when learning to read. After students have learned a new set of words, create cards with one word on each card. The grouping should have nouns, verbs and adjectives. Shuffle the cards and let each child deal five random words for themselves. Ask the student to write a story using the words. Read the stories aloud. For a different twist, sort the cards into piles of nouns, verbs and adjectives. Have the student choose one card from each pile and then create a sentence from the words selected.
The Internet is a vast resource for reading learning games. Everything ESL (everythingesl.net) and Cyber Kidz Games (cyberkidzgames.com) are two sites that offer games for all levels from the very basics of learning letters and sounds to comprehension and spelling. Successful use of Internet games is dependent on your preparation as a teacher. Never send a student to a game site that you have not personally tried. Determine how easy the game is to navigate, what level the game is intended for and what skills are being focused on.