Word Games

How to Do:

1. Setup:

To introduce the concept of rhyming, letter recognition, and basic word formation through a fun and interactive game. This activity encourages creativity while reinforcing early literacy skills.

2. Activity Steps:

• Step 1: Rhyming Game with Jars
  – Label the Jars:
  ◦ Label each jar with a simple rhyming word.
  ◦ Examples: ART, PIT, RUG.
  ◦ You can also use family names or familiar words to make the activity more personal.

  – Create Rhyming Pictures:
  ◦ Use markers or crayons to draw small pictures that rhyme with the word on each jar.
  ◦ For example: For “ART,” draw a “PART” (like a piece of a puzzle), “PIT” could have a “KIT,” and “RUG” could have a “BUG.”

  – Prepare the Sticks:
  ◦ Cut out the pictures, tape them to the wooden sticks.
  ◦ Each stick should represent a picture that rhymes with one of the jar labels.

  – Game Time:
  ◦ Helper reads the word on the jars aloud.
  ◦ The child will then match the picture sticks to the correct jar by rhyming the picture to the word on the jar.
  ◦ For example, if the jar says “RUG,” the child should place the picture of the “BUG” in the jar.

• Step 2: Play-Doh Word Building
  – Write Simple Words:
  ◦ Write 2-3 letter words on a piece of paper or laminate. Examples: CAT, DOG, MUM.
  ◦ Also, you can include family members’ names to make it more engaging for the child.

  – Prepare Play-Doh:
  ◦ Helper demonstrates how to roll out the Play-Doh into thin ropes.
  ◦ Use letter cutters to form the letters of the words.

  – Child Participation:
  ◦ The child will copy the letters by rolling out Play-Doh and using the cutters to form the letters of the words written by the helper.

  – Interactive Reading:
  ◦ Helper reads the words aloud while the child points to the corresponding pictures or letters.
  ◦ For example, if the word is “DUCK,” the helper says “When you hear the word ‘DUCK,’ touch the DUCK.”

• Step 3: Number Game Integration (Optional)
  – Counting Challenge:
  ◦ As the child matches rhyming pictures or forms words with Play-Doh, count the number of correct matches.
  ◦ Encourage the child to keep track of how many correct answers they make, turning it into a fun number game.

3. Variations for Skill Levels:

• For Younger Children:
– Use simple rhyming words with clear, recognizable pictures.
– Focus on fewer words and jars (e.g., just 2-3 jars to start).
• For Older Children:
– Increase the complexity of the rhyming words and introduce more challenging 3-4 letter words.
– Add additional jars or expand the activity to include more words and pictures.

Tips for Success:

• Encourage Participation: Make the activity fun and interactive by asking questions and encouraging the child to repeat the words.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise the child for each correct match or word formed with Play-Doh.
• Be Creative: You can adapt the game by changing the rhyming words or incorporating familiar family names and objects.

Enjoy learning with rhymes, Play-Doh, and creative play!

Materials Needed:

• Small jars 3-4
• 20 Wooden sticks (tongue depressors)
• Tape
• Paper
• Crayons/Markers
• Scissors
• Play-Doh and Letter Cutters