Keep students intrigued with this initial sound guessing game. Fill a small paper sack with various items beginning with the same sound. For example, a mouse, map, mailbox and marshmallow all start with "M." To play the game, slowly remove one item from the bag and say the word. Continue until all items have been removed. When students know what the mystery letter is, have them perform a silent indicator such as putting their fingers on their noses, hands on their heads or giving a thumbs up. When all the items have been removed, invite students to guess the letter. Continue with other bags and beginning sounds.
Turn traditional alphabet bingo into a challenging beginning sounds game. Collect or create bingo game boards programmed with random letters. Distribute game boards to students along with small items to use as markers. Try using small pieces of candy or cereal to keep students interested. To play, say a word and have students listen for what letter it begins with. If a student has the letter on her bingo board, she covers it with a marker. Record used words on a paper to check student responses. Continue to say words until a student yells "Bingo!" Have the student read the letters on her bingo card and reference the word list for accuracy.
Recycle used gift bags and provide students hands-on practice with this independent practice game. Label five used gift bags with five targeted letters. In a separate box or container, gather several items for each beginning letter sound. Make sure the items will easily fit inside the gift bags. Place the bags and container of objects at a learning center in the classroom. Students can visit this center to practice individually or with a partner. When a child visits the center, he opens the gift bags sets them in a row. He then chooses objects from the container, says the word and decides which bag to place it in. For example, if he chooses a baseball from the container, he would say "baseball" and place it in the gift bag labeled with "B." He continues to choose and sort items until the container is empty.
Keep students moving with a quick beginning sounds action game. This game can be played using real objects, picture cards or spoken words. Gather students and review targeted beginning sounds. Try focusing on one or two beginning sounds per game. Challenge students to perform an action if the item, picture or word begins with the designated letter sound. Change actions frequently to keep students engaged. Try fun physical responses such as gallop, wiggle, pretend to brush your teeth, jump and clap, run in place, hop on one foot or spin around.
This simple game requires students to listen carefully to their peers' responses. Gather students in a circle and show the targeted letter for the game. To play, pass a hand puppet around the circle having each student make the puppet say one word that begins with the targeted letter. Emphasize that no words can be repeated, so students have to listen carefully. Allow students to create nonsense words to encourage phonemic awareness development. Students will enjoy using the puppet and find the alliteration of this game amusing. Repeat with other targeted letters.