Fun Phonics for Kids

It's been a busy two weeks with grad classes. Taking 4 classes is never a good idea, especially when you work 5 days a week.

Anyway, today's Thank God It's Family Fun Friday game is Clifford's Sound Match activity. Most kids have heard of Clifford through story books, cartoons, toys, and from other children. So they should be familiar with Clifford the Big Red Dog but they can still play even if they don't.

The link for the game is:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/flash/phonics/index.htm

The game is pretty straight forward. You have to find words that begin with the same sound as the picture. The site is great because you can click on the pictures and it will say it aloud. Some kids may not be able to differentiate sounds so it's helpful to talk them through it.

For example:
Say "dog".
Say it again with emphasis on the first sound: d-d-dog.
Ask them what's the first sound they hear.
If they still can't discriminate. Just say "d". Ask them to repeat. Have them look at the picture of the dog and say "d-og". Say "d" again. Ask them what's the first sound they hear.

Some kids will breeze through this game but not all. Parents should be mindful that kids are learning to discrimate sounds so if they can't do it themselves, help them connect to the sounds. Don't rush throught it.

Back to the game.
So kids have to find other pictures that have the same beginning sounds and drag and drap them into the box. After kids have finished placing the items in the box, they'll be given a choice of repeating the game with another sound.

It's a great game because it's visual and auditory. It's even better when a grown up is sitting next to the child and facilitating the learning process. Enjoy Family Fun Friday!