Phonics and High-Frequency Word Activities

Games

• Games are effective tools to use for teaching both phonics and high-frequency words, as they are engaging and entertaining. Send children on a scavenger hunt to find items that begin with specific letters, or search for high-frequency words around the classroom. Have children sort through items that begin with specific letters, or have them highlight high-frequency words on worksheets and the first student to complete either task wins. Write letters or high-frequency words on index cards, spread them on the floor and have students toss beanbags onto them; the student who reads the most words or identifies the most letter sounds wins the game.

Reading

• Provide instruction in phonics and high-frequency words while reading. State a particular high-frequency word and ask children to locate the word on a page. Name a letter sound and have children identify pictures that begin with the sound. Ask students to name words that contain specific sounds after you have read a page in a text.

Arts and Crafts

• Arts and crafts typically appeal to children, as they enjoy exploring their creativity and using different arts and crafts materials. Use students' interest in arts and crafts as a tool to teach phonics and high-frequency words. Print letters on construction paper and provide children with items that begin with the letter and instruct children to glue the items onto the letter; pasta for the letter "P," for example. State a specific high-frequency word and offer children magazines. Instruct students to search through the magazines for the high-frequency words, cut them out and use the words to create collages.

Songs

• Use the power of music to teach high-frequency words and phonics. Set the spelling of high-frequency words to catchy tunes, or choose words that contain specific letter sounds and set them to familiar rhythms. For example, use the tune of "Jingle Bells" to teach students how to spell the word "the":

  "T-h-e, t-h-e,

  T-h-e spells "the."

  T-h-e, t-h-e,

  T-h-e spells "the."

  Repeat the song until children gain an understanding of how the words are spelled or the sounds that letters make.