Slate Races - Blending

Activity Type: Build Accuracy

Activity Form: Game

Grade: K, 1, 2

Group Size: Small Group

Length: 10 minutes

Materials: One slate and one dry erase marker per child, one tissue/sock/eraser per child, chalkboard and chalk

Goal: Given multiple letter sounds, the student can blend them into a word ( /a/ + /b/ + /c/ -> "abc" )

Items: Any set of C-V-C words learned so far. For a list of regular words, consult the Sounding Out Word Cards [[1]].

What to do

Have students sit far enough away from each other that they cannot copy each other’s work.
Today, we are going to blend our sounds together to make words. I will say three sounds that make one word. You will write the letter for each sound on your slate. Then, when you know what word those three sounds make, I want you to raise your hand. I will call on you to say the word but please, do not shout out the word without me calling on you first.
Pass out slates and writing utensils to each student.
Now, we will begin. Listen as I say the sounds – write them in that exact order and then, blend them into a word. The first sounds are /c/ - /a/ - /t/. Write them now on your slate.
Allow students to write the word on the slate.
Good job. Now, I will write those sounds on the board and we will say the word together.
Write the word on the board and lead the class in reading the word.
Now, everyone can erase those sounds on their own slate.
Repeat Step 3 nine more times for a total of 10 races.
Now we are going to read all the words that we blended.
Read the words together.
Great job, students! You blended many words today and did it well.
Observe students play the game. For students who struggle, give them help and make a note in an Activity Log.