It becomes much more fun to read when you include phonics games in the reading sessions. This helps kids to understand how letters link together and sound. Kids become more confident when they play games as a source of learning. When they practice a lot in playing games, it helps them improve their reading as well as pronunciation skills. Here are the top five phonics for kids games that your child can play to build their strong reading base.
1. I Spy
‘I Spy’ is a classic game and is very much easy to play. This game also helps you build awareness about phonics concepts. To play this game, you need to say, “I spy with my little eye something that starts with the sound ‘b’,” and then your child tries to guess the object. This game helps kids identify phonics sounds for kids by listening to the starting sound of words.
For example,
If you say “something that starts with the sound ‘s’,” they might say “sock” or “sun.” So that’s why ‘I Spy” game is a great way to improve your child’s listening and sound recognition skills.
2. Bingo
Bingo is another phonics for kids game to teach your kids to recognize letters and sounds. To play this game, you need to create Bingo cards with letters, digraphs (like “sh” or “ch”), or simple words. Call out a sound or word, and if your child has it on their Bingo card, they can mark it. When they get all the letters or words in a column or row on their card, they shout out ‘Bingo!’
This game not only helps children learn phonic sounds for kids but also builds confidence as they match sounds to letters and words. It’s especially engaging for groups and makes it a perfect game for playdates.
3. Letter Swat
In Letter Swat, you’ll need flashcards or paper with letters or sounds written on them. Spread these letters around the floor or on a table. If you do not have a fly swatter, your child can use their hand to “swat” the letters. When you call out a sound, like “tuh” for the letter “T,” they need to find and swat the right letter. Letter Swat is a high-energy game that keeps kids active while they learn, reinforcing their knowledge of phonics sounds. This makes the learning experience exciting and memorable.
4. Read
Reading simple words with your child also improves their phonics skills. First, you have to start with shorter words and after that, move gradually towards the longer ones. Look for books or flashcards with simple sentences or words which make it easy for kids to practice. Sing a phonics song for kids or find ones online that help kids learn the phonic sounds step by step. By reading aloud and sounding out words together, children hear how different letters form words and make reading an enjoyable part of their learning routine.
5. Word Walk
Word Walk is also an engaging game that combines movement and learning. Write words on pieces of paper and place them around the room or yard. Each word should focus on a different phonic sound. Ask your child to walk around and step on a word. When they do, have them say the word out loud and break down the sounds they hear in it. Word Walk is great for kinesthetic learners and helps children remember phonics for kids sounds through active play.
