Choose a simple word, such as "hat," and ask children to name as many words as they can that rhyme with that word. You may have to explain to very young children that rhyming words or those that sound the same at the end, but have a different sound at the beginning. Write the words in a column, or ladder. Choose another simple word, such as "big," and write its rhyming counterparts in a column. Once you have created a few columns, decide which one is the tallest. Count the words in the ladder to check your guess.
Create a bingo card full of words that children can read on their own. Make words cards that correspond to the words on the bingo cards and place the cards in a small bag. Allow children to play this game on their own and give each child a chance to be the caller. Being the bingo caller will help the children sound out the words and pronounce each correctly. Participating in a word bingo game allows children to practice reading simple sight words and use reasoning skills to sound out words that may be unfamiliar.
Allow children to play with letter magnets. Buy several sets of letters so children can create many words. As children begin to explore putting the letters together in ways that resemble words, show them how to make their names and simple words such as "mom" and "dog." As children become more proficient at creating words, have spelling bees. Ask children to use their letters to create specific sight words. Offer a prize to the child who can correctly spell the most words.
This game is best played in a large group. Elect one member of the group, usually an adult, to be the secretary. For this game, get a large sheet of chart paper and a marker. The secretary starts the game by saying, and writing on the paper, "Once upon a time ... ." The secretary then points to the next person in the circle, who gives the next word of the story. Each child has a chance to add one word to the story at a time. The secretary writes the story on the chart paper. This game boosts a child's listening skills and emphasize the importance of correct sentence structure and choosing the correct word to create a story. When every child has had a chance to add a word or two, the secretary will read the completed story aloud.