word work homework activities

10 Engaging Word Work Activities and Centers

Engaging word work activities and centers to use in your classroom!

Word work is an essential component of literacy instruction because it helps students develop into better readers, writers, and spellers. Word work activities can easily be incorporated into your daily literacy instruction, centers, guided reading, and independent work. I want to share with you seven engaging word work activities and centers that you can use in your classroom!

Word Work Activity #1 - Word Work Mats

Word Work Mats are a fun, hands-on word work activity where students spin a picture, tap the sounds, map the sounds, build, write, and find the word. The words in on each word work mat all have a similar phonics pattern.

Word work mats are a hands-on word work activity where students read, build, write, and find pictures of the word.

Word Work Mats are one of my favorite word work activities and are a super simple activity to prep! I simply printed out the mats and letter cards on white and colored cardstock. In order to use dry erase markers, I laminated the word work mats and the letter cards for durability. I store each phonics skill in a separate clear zipper pouch.

Word Work Activity #2 - Interactive Notebooks

Interactive Notebooks are a fun twist to traditional note taking or worksheets. With this word work activity students will enjoy coloring, cutting, and gluing. This creates an engaging notebook where students can refer to over and over. I find that my students take pride and ownership in their phonics notebooks knowing that they had so much to do with creating it. We do these as a class at the beginning of the year, but as students become more independent, the notebooks become part of their seat work activity

Interactive notebooks are a great option for word work!

With this interactive notebook activity, students color the words and write a sentence using the word underneath the flap. The word work activity also allows students to read a sentence, highlight the words with the particular phonics skill, and write the highlighted words underneath the flap.

With these interactive notebooks , students also read and sort words into correct word families. Then, students glue the words underneath the word family flap. I love using this word work activity when focusing on word families.

Word Work Activity #3 - Roll, read, smash

Roll, Read, Smash is a CLASS FAVORITE word work activity! Practice decoding, word recognition, and fluency with these Roll, Read, and Smash phonics games/activities! Roll, Read, and Smash phonics games are engaging, fun, and aligned with the science of reading! Students will be excited to apply their decoding skills with these interactive and engaging phonics games. Each game board focuses on a specific phonics skill.

How to Play:

1.Students will place a small ball of dough at the end of each row.

2.Students will place transparent counters (or any small counter) on each number die.

3.Students roll a die and move the corresponding counter to the first word. Students can only move ONE space.

4.Students will read the word.

5.Keep playing until a counter reaches the end of the row and SMASH the dough ball!

These games are easy to prepare. Simply print the game boards, grab some dough, and counters! They

Word Work Activity #4 - White Crayon Magic

White Crayon Magic is one of my students’ favorite word work activities! Students will write their spelling or sight words in the boxes with a white crayon first. Then, they will use markers to color over the white crayon. Finally, they will watch the magic happen! The white crayon shows through the markers. This is such a fun word work activity. You can grab White Crayon Magic HERE .

Engaging and fun word work activities!

Word Work Activity #5 - WRITE THE ROOM

Write the Room is another student favorite word work activity and great for students to move while practicing phonics! This Write the Room is for CVC, blends, and digraphs. It is perfect for centers or independent work. I love to use this as one of our centers during word study.

Write the Room is the perfect way to include phonics practice and movement! Simply select which cards you would like to use and print the corresponding student recording sheet. Place the write the room cards around your classroom and students will walk around finding all 16 words!

Write the Room

⭐⭐⭐This was a great resource for my literacy centers. This was a word work station and students loved the opportunity to walk around and practice spelling. It was great for differentiation as well.

You can grab the Write the Room Bundle HERE.

Word Work Activity #6 - Hidden Words

Grab your magnifying glasses for this fun word work activity! Hidden Words is such a simple, yet engaging word work activity. I simply select a picture and type in our spelling or sight words. This word work activity is editable, so the words can be typed in as large or as small as you would like. I let my students use fun markers to find and write their words. You can find Hidden Words HERE .

Hidden Words is a simple and engaging word work activity!

Word Work Activity #7 - Playdoh and Stamp Spelling

This word work activity combines a few of my favorite things..Play-Doh and alphabet stamps! Have you ever tried using these two together? I think the Play-Doh is a little less messy than ink. My students love spreading out the Play-Doh and stamping letters in it to spell their sight words, spelling words, or vocabulary words. This is an easy word work activity that students will love doing over and over!

Word Work Activity #8 - Read and link

Students only need 2 materials with this word work activity ! Practice decoding, word recognition, and fluency with these Read and Link Chain Cards! They will need a link chain and the phonics word and picture cards that come with the activity. Students will be excited to apply their decoding skills with these interactive and engaging linking cards. Students will use chain links to connect a word with the correct picture.

Read and Link is a fun, hands-on word work activity!

Word Work Activity #9 - Spin A Word

My students LOVE this one! Anytime we get to use “spinners” they are extremely engaged! With Spin A Word , students use a paper clip and a pencil to create their spinner. They will place the paper clip on the center of the circle and then put their pencil point on the small, black dot in the center. Then they will use their fingers to spin the paper clip. Finally, students write the word(s) they land on.

Word Work Activity #10 - MIX AND MATCH

I love using these Mix and Match Phonics Games as part of our small group work and independent phonics centers! The phonics games are simple, but very engaging for students to complete on their own. This makes it a perfect word work activity to add to your rotations!

Students read a word and find the picture to match the word. I also like to add a dry erase board and marker to the center. This way, students can also get practice writing the word!

Mix and Match

⭐⭐⭐My students love using this resource in our word work stations! They are hands on and engaging. I love that once I teach them how to play one time I can just switch out the skill being practiced without interruptions! They can be used for quick assessments too! Thank you!

You can grab the Mix and Match Bundle HERE .

Check out below for links to all the products I used for my word work activities!

*This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a small commission on any purchases made through my links.

I hope you found some new and exciting word work activities that you can add to your literacy instruction!

If you have any questions about the word work activities I talked about today, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Erin Waters EDU

Teach Smarter, Not Harder

by Erin Waters • Leave a Comment

20 Free Word Work Activities You Can Do With Any List

I spent way more time than I'd like to admit making word work activities from scratch for every single unit. Every time I introduced new word lists or phonics skills to my students, I'd create or buy new worksheets and games. It just wasn't sustainable.

Thankfully, by now I've long since lived by the power of repurposing and working smarter (not harder). One of my absolute favorite ways to make sure I'm not reinventing the wheel is to find activities, games, and ideas that work across multiple topics or subjects. For example, this list of word work activities you can do with any list? Chef's kiss.

• Which one doesn’t belong?

This word work activity can be played as a whole class, in small groups, or in partners. Write 3 words on the board. 2 of the words should have a feature in common (they rhyme, start with the same letter, etc.). They can share more than one common feature but should have at least one. Students must decide which one has to go, and in doing so, must justify why.

2. Blind sort

This is one of those word work activities that is best done when words are new to a student. This might be a new word study spelling feature (for example, CVC words ending in -at). In a blind sort, students are given all the cards and/or words at once and are tasked with finding the features of the words and sorting accordingly.

3. Prove it

Best done in a whole class, partner, or small group setting, Prove It is when one person states (for example), “This word rhymes with feet” as they show a word.

The class or opposing student(s) yells, “Prove it!” The original player must prove they are correct–using writing materials or other forms of words–why their statement is true.

4. A to Z 

Best done as an independent word work station, A to Z involves students either sorting or writing their word list in alphabetical order (for an extra challenging twist, they can write the words in reverse alphabetical order ).

5. Knockout

While I might be a bit biased on this one, it remains one of my all-time favorites when it comes to classroom fun. Moreover, Knockout is a beast when it comes to making boring subjects (looking at you, phonics) fun. Knockout is always played in a whole-class format. The one specifically seen here is a vowel teams game where students must determine which 2 vowels make the pattern. You can download this entire game for free by filling out the form below!

To learn more about the rules of Knockout you can check them out here .

6. Paperless phonics prompts

If you are looking for word work activities students can do independently either for stations or at their desks, this one is for you. I've been a huge proponent of paperless journals for some time now, and this phonics one is no exception. I've loved using these paperless prompts to do quick assessments–when done in the notebooks, they are super easy to walk around and check or collect for later. Also, these prompts are not out in my TpT store, so if you are interested in seeing them in my store please leave a comment and let me know!

7. Type the words on file folder “laptops”

This one is SO fun and although my photos and videos don't show you the file folder aspect, it's easily done by gluing a paper keyboard to the inside of a folder and laminating the entire thing. Students “type” their words by using their flashcards for guides.

8. Keep it Tactile: Water Write

Keep a small drawer stocked with Q-tips and Dixie cups and watch the magic unfold. Students can “write” using water on colored paper. The best part about this is if it does get messy, it's just water (but feel free to use trays for this one if it makes you feel better).

9. Stamping

Stamping is self-explanatory! Students can stamp their words onto a piece of scrap paper or you might choose to have them do it in their designated word work notebook.

10. Make your own flashcards

Keep a stack of small index cards (you can cut them in half to go even smaller!) and a stack of black markers and let students go to town. Did you know that flashcards are way more fun when you get to make them yourself? 😉

11. Building the word

Using plastic letter tiles or other letter manipulatives, students can build words on their list. Nothing like connecting those neurons through multiple sensory activities! #nerdalert

12. Rainbow Write

Keep a drawer of multi-colored markers for this one. It's simple, really. Students use a variety of colors to write their words. Use one color per word or one color per letter to create a vibrant display that also strengthens word knowledge.

13. Bright Write

What is it about a highlighter that just makes things fun? They're just so…bright. Similar to rainbow writing, students use highlighters as their utensil of choice to write their words. Warning: sunglasses make an excellent addition to this activity. Students get a kick out of how bright the colors are!

14. Teachers pens

This word work activity is versatile in that it also makes an excellent birthday perk or UnHomework raffle prize. Using the “teacher pens” is a coveted thing where you get to use your teacher's actual writing supplies. Not the classroom stuff–I'm looking at you, Flair pens. Now of course make sure you're actually willing to part with a few pens because you know kids are not kind to utensils.

15. Match Makers

Choose one word on the list to start with. Then, either find or generate another word that has something in common with your original word. Once you verify they are a match, set them aside and look for a new match. See how many matches you can make!

16. Good Guy, Bad Guy

This is quite literally the opposite of Match Makers. Choose a word that is not the same as your original–this is the “bad guy.” It's “bad” because it doesn't contain the targeted feature, but it can get fun when students start actually using their word cards as action figures—they get into this one.

17. Sort them

While the blind sort was already mentioned, it's important to note that you can put several twists on the idea of a word sort., Some easy and common ideas include:

• Timed sort (set the timer for a pre-determined amount of time)
• Speed sort (see how long it takes to sort all the words)
• Team sort (sort together with a partner or small group!)

18. Test each other

This word work activity is great for partners as a word work station. Trade lists and use a whiteboard or word work notebook, students “test” each other and read words while the other spells. Bonus points if you give students grading materials like stickers to grade each others' work.

19. Speed read

This one can work in a variety of ways. Students can simply time themselves or their partners to see how quickly their word list can be read. Alternatively, students can also use silly voices like monster voices, opera singing, etc. as seen below.

20. Fancy letters

This one is fun for the 1st-2nd grade crowds since they are likely to really grasp the meaning of the fancy script. Show them and model ways to use block letters, squiggly letters, dotted letters, and so on–the options are truly endless!

While the world of word work is definitely one of those things that is constantly throwing new terms and best practices our way, it pays to have a go-to stash of activities that are timeless and can be used with any list of words. I hope these help!

Remember that if you want to download a free Knockout game to help you along your word work fun in your classroom, check it out:

Build Your Knockout Sampler Pack

This like a Choose Your Own Adventure book! Option #1: You can visit this link to build your own Knockout Sampler Pack. Option #2: Fill out the form above and we will send a mystery Knockout bundle straight to your inbox!

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100 Word Work Activities for Kids That Are Super Fun

These word work activities are all fun and engaging ways to practice reading, spelling and writing words. Add word work to your literacy centers or small group instruction with these resources!

You can do word work by interacting with words in a variety of ways. Examples include, rhyming words, working with a phonics pattern, learning high frequency words and more! When students engage in activities like these they become better readers, spellers and writers.

Working with Words

There are so many ways to do word work and I am always developing new engaging word work activities. This page is filled with resources for a wide variety of skills that can be used for a wide range of themes you do in your classroom. 

Many of the word work activities are editable, so you can type in any words you want! Just type in words that cover skills you are working on. You can add CVC words, words with blends/digraphs/vowel teams, high frequency words, spelling words and so much more!

There are also resources that focus on one specific skill - like spelling CVC words or reading words with blends.

Word Work Printables That You Can Use Any Time of Year

Although many of the resources are tied to a specific theme or to be used during a certain time of year, here are some of our favorite resources that can be used any time you want to provide word work fun for your students.

• CVC Words Clip Cards

These CVC words clip cards are a hands-on way for students to practice reading CVC words while building fine motor skills.

• Superhero Word Work Board Game

This board game has a fun superhero theme that the kids love. Plus, you can type in any words you want and the whole game board auto-populates for you!

• Pencil Theme Editable Bump Game

This editable game is super simple for students to learn to play and a great way for them to practice word work with a partner.

• Crayon Theme Write the Room Activity 

This editable write the room activity is a fun way for kids to practice reading, writing and spelling words while getting up and moving around.

• Rainbow Four in a Row Game

Type in any words you want and the kids will have a blast reading words and covering spots on the mat. The first player to get four in a row, wins!

• Feed the Fish Spin, Build and Write Mats

This fun mat requires no prep from you beyond typing in the words. The kids are going to love feeding the fish words!

• CVC Words Matching Mats

Kids will read the CVC word on the card and then find the picture that corresponds to the word on the mat. Cover all the spaces on the mat and you win!

• Blend Word Clip Cards

Give students a hands-on way to learn to read words with blends! Students will look at the picture on the card and then clip the word that matches. It’s super easy to make these self-checking so that your students can get immediate feedback on their choices.

• Secret Code Word Rainbow Puzzles

Kids will have lots of fun cracking the code and finding the puzzle piece that matches the word. This editable activity uses a special code font and you can type in any words you want!

• Editable Word Work Worksheets

I can’t forget to include these editable worksheets that you can use to work on words that are between 2-8 characters long. Easily type in words and then send home for extra practice or use in class for independent work. Even if you don’t do sight words, these worksheets will be super helpful to you!

We have many more word work printables and activities for you to use, so keep on reading to see them all.

All of Our Word Work Resources

Here is a list of all of the word work activities here on Fun Learning for Kids! Click on a picture or title below to be taken to the specific resource. 

We hope you find lots of fun and engaging ways for your students to practice word work!

Editable Pumpkin Theme BINGO Game

Editable Apple Theme Bingo Game

Printable Middle Sounds Phoneme Substitution Cards

Sun CVC Word Building Strips Free Printable

Fish CVC Word Building Cards Free Printable

Ocean CVC Word Mats – Roll, Build, & Write Printable

Editable Caterpillar Word Work Mats Free Printable

Frog CVC Word Building Strips Free Printable

Flower CVC Word Building Cards Free Printable

Editable Easter Bunny Word Work Mats

Free Editable Name Tracing Printable Worksheets for Name Practice

Word Search CVC Worksheets Free Printable

CVC Words Clip Cards Free Printable

Snowflake CVC Word Building Strips for Kindergarten

Printable Ending Sounds Phoneme Substitution Cards

Free Printable Spider Word Work Mats

Pumpkin CVC Words Spin & Build Mats Free Printable

Editable Apple Spin & Build Mats

Free Printable Back to School Spin and Build Word Work Mats

Editable Back to School Four in a Row Printable Game

Printable Beginning Sounds Phoneme Substitution Cards

Sun CVC Word Clip Cards Free Printable

Editable Feed the Fish Spin and Build Mats Printable

Fish CVC Word Clip Cards Free Printable

Editable Flower Bump Game Printable for Word Work

Flower CVC Word Building Strips for Kindergarten

Editable Frog Spin and Build Mats Word Work Printable

Digital Frog Feed Me Word Work Mats for Kindergarten

Digital St. Patrick’s Day Feed Me Words Activity for Kindergarten

Editable Shamrock Spin and Build Mats Free Printable

Editable Mailbox Spin and Build Mats Word Work Printable

Community Helpers Printable CVC Word Building Strips

Editable Valentine’s Day Spin and Build Word Work Mats

Digital Feed the Heart Words Activity for Kindergarten

Editable Valentine’s Day Four in a Row Printable Literacy Game

Groundhog Day Free Printable Editable Board Game

Free Digital Feed the Groundhog Words Activity

Editable Groundhog Spin and Build Word Work Mats

Editable Winter Bump Game Printable for Word Work

Editable Snowman Write the Room Printable Activity

Digital Feed the Snowman Words Activity for Kindergarten

Editable Gingerbread Bump Game for Word Work Printable

Editable Gingerbread Spin and Build Word Work Mats Printable

Editable Christmas Tree Four in a Row Literacy Printable

Free Printable Christmas Editable Board Game

Gingerbread CVC Word Building Strips Free Printable

Turkey Find and Cover the Word Free Printable Mats

Editable Turkey Spin and Build Word Work Printable Mats

Editable Scarecrow Spin and Build Word Work Printable Mats

Digital Pumpkin Feed Me Words Activity for Kindergarten

Editable Pumpkin Bump Game for Word Work in Kindergarten

Apple CVC Matching Clip Cards Printable for Kindergarten

Apple Tree Find and Cover the Letter Printable Mats

Apple Tree Sight Word Find and Cover Printable for Kindergarten

Editable Apple Bump Game for Word Work in Kindergarten

Digital Apple Feed Me Word Work Activity

Editable Back to School Write the Room Free Printable

Digital Back to School Letter Sounds Matching Activity

Editable Pencil Bump Game for Word Work Printable

Digital Back to School Feed Me Words Activity

Free Printable Digraph Words Matching Mats for Kindergarten

Digital Digraph Words Matching Mats Literacy Activity

Blend Words Matching Mats Free Printable

Digital Blend Words Matching Mats for Kindergarten

Digital CVC Words Matching Mats for Kindergarten

Free Printable Ending Digraph Clip Cards

Free Printable Beginning Digraph Clip Cards

Blend Words Clip Cards Free Printable

Digital Treasure Hunt CVC Matching Activity

Digital Beach Mixed Blends Literacy Activity

Editable Ocean Word Building Mats Free Printable

Digital Ocean CVC Word Building Literacy Activity

Editable Summer Four in a Row Games Free Printables

Digital Ocean Word Work Mats for Preschool and Kindergarten

Editable Sight Word Worksheets – Editable Word Work Printables

Editable Space Theme Board Game Free Printable

Digital Butterfly Word Building Mats for Preschool and Kindergarten

Editable Insect Four in a Row Game Free Printable

Digital Flower CVC Word Building Literacy Activity

Editable Flower Word Building Printable Mats

Digital Flower Word Building Word Work Activity

Editable Easter Word Building Digital Word Work Activity

Editable Easter Word Building Mats for Preschool and Kindergarten

Editable Flower Sight Word Write the Room Free Printable

Editable Spring Sight Word Activities

100+ Free Sight Word Activities and Games for Kids

Editable Race and Trace Board Game for Word Work

Digital Rainbow Mixed Blends Phonics Activity

Editable Rainbow Word Building Digital Word Work Activity

Free Printable Third Grade Sight Word Worksheets

Free Printable Second Grade Sight Word Worksheets

Digital Rainbow CVC Word Building Activity

100+ Free Printable Phonics Activities for Kids Learning to Read

Editable Valentine’s Day Word Building Digital Word Work Activity

Free Printable First Grade Sight Word Worksheets

Free Printable Pre-K Sight Word Worksheets

Digital Vowel Teams Word Building Phonics Activity

Free Printable Kindergarten Sight Word Worksheets

Awesome Superhero Sight Word Mats for Google Slides and Seesaw

Digital CVC Word Sorting Activity for Google Slides and Seesaw

Editable Snowman Four in a Row Game Free Printable

Digital Evergreen Tree CVC Word Building Phonics Activity

Editable Snowman Word Building Digital Word Work Activity

Christmas Tree CVC Word Building Digital Activity

Gingerbread CVC Word Building Digital Activity

Editable Gingerbread Word Building Mats Free Printable

Editable Stocking Word Building Digital Activity

Fall CVC Word Building Mats Free Printable

Fall Tree CVC Word Building Digital Literacy Activity

CVC Words Activities and Games

Editable Fall Word Building Digital Word Work Activity

Digital Spider Web CVC Word Building Activity

Farm Theme Editable Board Game Free Printable

Paperless Sight Word Activities for Google Slides and Seesaw

Editable Fall Four in a Row Game Free Printable

Digital and Editable Pumpkin Sight Word Building Mats

Digital Apple Sight Word Building Mats That You Can Edit

Free Printable Pet Theme Editable Board Game

Editable Back to School Word Building Mats

Back to School Sight Word Building Mats for Google Slides and Seesaw

R-Blends Word Work for Google Slides and Seesaw

S-Blends Word Work for Google Slides and Seesaw

L-Blends Word Work Activity for Google Slides and Seesaw

Ending Digraphs Word Building Activity for Google Slides and Seesaw

Beginning Digraphs Word Building Activity for Google Slides and Seesaw

Digital Spring Sight Word Mats for Google Slides and Seesaw

Editable Superhero Board Game Free Printable

Editable Flower Four in a Row Game Free Printable

Editable Flower Word Work Board Game

Editable Robot Board Game Free Printable

Rainbow Secret Code Word Puzzles Editable Printable

Editable Rainbow Four in a Row Game Free Printable

Editable Valentine’s Day Word Work Board Game Printable

Editable Valentine’s Day Sight Word Write the Room Printable

Dental Health Editable Tracing Cards Printable

Editable Penguin Four in a Row Game Free Printable

Free Printable Snowman Word Building Mats for Winter

Editable Snowman Word Work Board Game Free Printable

Editable Gingerbread Sight Word Write the Room Printables

Free Printable Fall Word Building Mats

Editable Pumpkin Sight Word Write the Room Printables

Editable Pumpkin Word Building Activity Mats Printable

Editable Apple Sight Word Write the Room Printables

Editable Apple Word Building Activity Mats Printable

Printable Roll and Write Your Name Activity for Back to School

Printable Spin and Write Your Name Activity for Back to School

Editable My Home Printable Board Game

Free Printable Pencil Secret Code Word Puzzles for Word Work

Editable My Home Word Building Activity Mats Printable

Editable 4th Of July Board Game Printable

Free Printable Editable Dragon Board Game

Easter Secret Code Word Cards for High Frequency Words

Editable Easter Board Game Free Printable

Easter Secret Code Puzzles for Word Work

Editable Unicorn Board Game Free Printable

Editable Rain Cloud Feed Me Sight Words Activity Printables

Editable St. Patrick’s Day Board Game Free Printable

Rainbow Secret Code Word Cards Editable Printable

Valentine’s Day Secret Code Words for High Frequency Words

Editable Valentine’s Day Board Game Free Printable

Editable Penguin Board Game Printable

Editable Snowman Board Game Free Printable

Editable Gingerbread Board Game Free Printable

Editable Fall Board Game Free Printable

Pumpkin Editable Board Game Free Printable

What is the point of word work.

Word work is the practice of interacting with words in a variety of ways. Examples include learning high frequency words, working with a phonics pattern, spelling, learning rhyming words and more! When students engage in activities like these they become better readers, spellers and writers.

What is word work in elementary?

In elementary grades, word work is a variety of hands-on activities to help students work on learning high frequency words, phonics pattern, spelling and more!

Word Work Homework for Any Words

Word work homework is made easier with these sets of 19 practice pages for any word list.

This is another free resource for teachers from The Curriculum Corner.

Use these word work homework packets to help you create just right practice for your students.

These word work packets will help you create weekly homework. Contains options for 5, 10 or 15 words.

Easily create word packets for your students each week with these printable resources.

You might also decide to place individual pages at a literacy center if a printed choice is needed for students.

You can download the resources by clicking on the bold links at the bottom of the page.

Choose between the options provided to download the set for 5, 10 or 15 words. 

The following practice pages are included:

Cover Page Have students write in their words or write in the words before copying.

ABC Order You will find an alphabet line for students who might need assistance.

Sentences I’m a Writing STAR! checklist is included on the back. Teach students to read through their work and check for each guideline.

Word Pyramids  Students create pyramids using their words. The 10 and 15 word files contain a variety of options so that you can provide pages with the necessary number of boxes.

Find the Vowels & Find the Consonants

Code the Letters Students identify both the vowels and consonants in each word.

Find the Value Students practice counting by 5s and 10s.

Across & Down A simple page for practice writing each word.

Fancy Words Encourage Students to add variety to their letter formation and color choices.

Rainbow Words Have students write each word using multiple colors.

Syllable Sort Students write each word in the correct box depending on the number of syllables.

Word Search Students create their own word search using their word list. They can then ask a family member or classmate to find the hidden words.

Cloudy Fun Students write their words along the outline of the cloud. When using with 15 words, students may need to write on the outside and inside of the cloud.

Text a Friend Students create a text conversation that includes their words.

Add It Up! Students write and solve an addition problem using the value on the letter tiles.

Type Your Words Students can practice typing their words using the printable keyboard.

We are sharing many choices so you can choose the pages that meet the needs of your students.

You might also choose to differentiate packets depending on individual needs.  

Also, because there are many choices, you will be able to add variety to your weekly packets.

You can download the complete collections below:

5 word collection, 10 word collection, 15 word collection.

You might also like these additional, FREE resources we have created:

Work for Words – Small Group Instruction

Fry Word Activity Mats

Roots, Prefixes & Suffixes Collection

Contains affiliate links:

As with all of our resources, The Curriculum Corner creates these for free classroom use. Our products may not be sold. You may print and copy for your personal classroom use. These are also great for home school families!

You may not modify and resell in any form. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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Teaching Trove

Making learning fun

21 Word Work Activities to Engage Young Learners

Blog , Literacy

Editable word work activities are a huge time saver .

It’s so easy to create a range of literacy centers, sight word practice activities, even homework sheets – all with the words you need for your kids. Type in the words you want once to generate them on each activity sheet or game.

You don’t need to only use them for sight word s. They’re also great for word families , thematic words , spelling words , vowel teams – whatever your word list.

Grab your pack of superhero-themed editable activities in my Teachers pay Teachers store.

Reduce your prep time

We all want to be able to easily prepare our word work activities. I know I’ve wasted so much time trying to make six different activities for my sight word rotations. Time that could have definitely been put to better use!

Type your words into one editable field and all your words are generated on each of the sixteen activity sheets, two board games, the I Have, Who Has game, the play dough mat cards or the bingo cards.

 Word work activities to help you differentiate your lists

It’s so easy to differentiate your list. All you need to do is type in group one’s words, choose your activity, print and save the file.

Open the file again to get a clear editable field, type in group two’s list, pick your activity, print and save.

Press TAB on your keyboard to take you to the next editable field and type away. You wouldn’t believe how quick it is.

 Focus on one word at a time

Sometimes we need our kids to focus on just one word at a time, particularly when we have those tricky irregular words.

Playdough mats are also great for this.

Use the pack for all your word work activities

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15 Easy Word Work Activities Students and Teachers Love

If you’re seeking ideas for word work activities, you’ve landed in the right place.

In order to create strong spellers and writers, it’s important to incorporate a variety of engaging activities for word work in your classroom. 

What is Word Work?

Word work block is an extension of the writing workshop and spelling blocks. It focuses specifically on having students practice working with words.

These types of word activities may involve prefixes, suffixes, sight words, rhyming words, root words, unusual spelling patterns, etc.

These strategies not only strengthen students’ writing and spelling abilities but also develop critical thinking skills as students analyze and manipulate words/letters.

Here you will find a collection of word work ideas that require little preparation. 

Each is targeted to a specific learning objective, and all increase students’ confidence in their spelling and writing abilities.

Activities for Word Work

1. multiple meaning words.

Provide students with a list of multiple-meaning words, ideally from a current unit of study in any subject.

Learners then choose one of the terms and sketch three different meanings of it. Afterward, they write a sentence using each word. 

Download the Multiple Meaning Word Sketch Worksheet .

2. There, They’re, and Their Sorts Activity

If you’re looking for very hands-on word work activities, this one is a win. Students sort into “there”, “they’re”, and “their” groups a set of statements. 

This activity is great for reviewing homophones.

Download There, They’re, Their Sorts .

3. Simile/Metaphor Portrait

To practice figurative language, students sketch a favorite person or animal.

They then write a paragraph that consists of a few similes and metaphors about the person or animal. 

Download the Simile and Metaphor Portrait sheet .

4. Thesaurus Dig

Students search for and then record antonyms or synonyms for a particular word. 

Provide students with the original words, or utilize words from a current unit of study. Students may want to utilize an online thesaurus.

Download the Thesaurus Dig activity .

5. Vocabulary Sketch

An extensive vocabulary is the mark of a strong reader. That’s why it’s good practice to incorporate vocabulary exercises as part of your word work activities.

For this task, students will sketch and label a few of their weekly spelling or word wall words. 

Download the Vocabulary Sketch worksheet .

6. Word Exploration

This activity spirals previous concepts so that students review previous skills while learning new ones. 

Students choose one of their word wall words or spelling words.

They then complete the exercises within the graphic organizer based on the one word they selected.

Download the Word Exploration graphic organizer .

7. Parts of Speech Poetry

Students write four poems and illustrate each. Each four-word poem starts with the same letter of the alphabet. 

Students must use a different letter for each new poem.

Download the Parts of Speech Poetry sheet .

8. Four Square Word Work Activity

Four Square deepens students’ understanding of concepts.

Students choose a concept or topic that they are currently studying and write that term in the center.

They then write the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples of the term. 

Download the Four Square graphic organizer .

9. Name Someone Who Is

For this activity, students think about individuals in their lives who exhibit any of the character traits listed on the graphic organizer.  

If learners don’t know the definition of any of the terms, they use a dictionary or thesaurus as support. 

Students then think to themselves, “Who is someone that I know who is… (e.g ubiquitous, vibrant, dapper, etc.?”). They then write that person’s name in the appropriate square. 

Download the Name Someone Who Is activity sheet .

10. Parts of Speech Sorting

Understanding the parts of speech is valuable knowledge that helps students understand the structure of the English language.

This knowledge supports their writing development and reading comprehension.

To complete this activity, students will read a short passage.

Afterward, they will color the nouns blue, the verbs red, the adverbs orange, and the adjectives green. 

11. Homonym Puzzle

Homographs are two words spelled the same but pronounced differently while homophones sound the same but are spelled differently.

Support students in mastering this knowledge using the following activity.

They will color puzzle pieces labeled with various homonyms. 

The homographs will be colored blue, the homophones read, and words that identify as both will be colored orange.

Download the Homonym Puzzle .

12. Word Wall Sort

Using the weekly spelling words or the month’s word wall words, students sort the terms into categories of nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and other. 

13. Alphabet Adverbs

Promote critical thinking by having students complete this fun alphabet activity.

To complete, students will brainstorm an alphabet list of adverbs.

For a challenge, encourage them to fill in the graphic organizer without referencing a dictionary or thesaurus.

Download the Alphabet Adverbs sheet .

14. Roll the Dice

A whole class or partner word work activity, one student chooses one vocabulary, spelling, or word wall word. He or she then rolls a die. 

Depending on the number in which the die falls, the child must do the following:

Rolls #1: Define the term. 

Rolls #2: Use the word in a sentence.

Rolls #3: Provide an antonym for the word. 

Rolls #4: Give a synonym for the world. 

Rolls #5: Act out the term.

Rolls #6: Sketch the word on the whiteboard or on a piece of chart paper.

15. What’s the Sum

This is a great word work activity for 4th graders and beyond.

Students find the sum of their spelling or word wall words. 

A = 1, B = 2,  C = 3,  D =4,  E = 5, F = 6, G = 7, H = 8,  I = 9, J = 10, K = 11, L = 12,  M = 13, N = 14,  O = 15,  P =16,  Q = 17, R = 18, S = 19, T = 20, U = 21, V = 22, W = 23, X = 24, Y = 25,  Z = 26

Example: sandwich: S = 19, A = 1, N = 14, D = 4 , W = 23, I = 9, C = 3, H = 8

The sum of sandwich = 81

Final Thoughts

Now you have a quality collection of engaging word work activities that excite students, help them review learning objectives plus keep them focused. 

Coffee Fueled Classroom

Word Work Activities

November 19, 2023

What is Word Work ? 

Word work is dedicated time to practice  words or word concepts students are learning. Word work activities are focused on enhancing students’ understanding and engagement with words. These activities may include practicing high-frequency words, spelling patterns, word families, etc that help build spelling and reading skills. 

Make Word Work Activities Engaging & Independent

Making word work playful and interactive can help maintain students’ interest and make learning fun. That’s why I’ve put together a set of 10 low-prep/high-engagement word work activities that can be used for literacy centers, small group instruction, independent practice, or even homework. The best part is these activities take less than 1 minute to prep for the entire week! With explicit instruction once to introduce and teach how to use each fun activity your students will be able to practice word skills independently. 

Low Prep, High Engagement Word Work Activities 

It is so quick and easy to prep these Editable Spelling and Word Work Activities! Just type your word list and the words automatically generate onto all of the worksheet pages. Then, print and go – your spelling and word work is ready for the week in less than 2 minutes of your time!

Teacher-Friend: You will use this resource every week for the entire school year, and SAVE yourself SO MUCH TIME with prepping spelling activities. Work smarter, not harder! What are you going to do with all your free prep time? 

Easily Differentiate Your Word Work 

Versatile and easy to differentiate word work for your students. Since you type in the words this resource can be used with any spelling or word work program! How long does it take you to type a word list? 30 seconds?! Easily make different word lists and activities to need the needs of your learners. 

These word work activities also can be used to make practice activities for spelling patterns, phonics skills, and even sight words!

10 different word work activities ready in less than 2 minutes:

• Type it & Trace it
• Magical Words
• Pencil, Crayon, Marker
• Spelling Shapes
• ABC Order – trace, cut & paste
• Spelling Race
• Spelling Stamps
• Bright Words (vowel highlight)
• Rainbow Words
• Hidden Picture Words (x3 different hidden pictures)

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RESOURCE

See what teachers like you are saying about these word work activities:  

I recently purchased this  word work resource, and I’m extremely satisfied with its quality. The content is thorough and well-organized, making it a fantastic tool for my students.

My students love these word work worksheets! I enjoy that I only have to explain them a few times, and then the students are able to complete them independently!

I love this word work resource for sight word work. It makes differentiation so easy and there are a variety of different activities so students stay engaged.

For another time saving activity, check out how I do morning bins .

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30 Spelling Activities for ANY List of Words

• March 6, 2020

We work hard to teach our students the correct way to spell words.  We spend countless hours creating spelling practice activities that are fun and not just writing the word multiple times.  Are you ready to get some of those hours back?!  Take a look at these fabulous EDITABLE Spelling Activities we have created for your students to practice their word lists.

Our Spelling Activities are super simple to use!!!

• Enter your spelling list into the first page of the packet.
• Choose the activities you want to use that week.  (We have 150+ different pages  to choose from!)
• Print those activities.

These spelling activities can be sent home as homework, used in a word work center, or as independent practice. You can find all of our editable spelling activities, (general, seasonal, and holiday-themed) on Education to the Core Premium. Join today as a monthly or annual member for instant access to this resource and thousands more.

* Spelling Activity Line-Up *

1. spelling list.

This is the page where you will type in your spelling words (up to 15 words).  It can be sent home for students to study during the week, as well as for parents to cut apart and use as flashcards.

2. MAGIC WORDS

Write each spelling word in white crayon, then color over with a marker to watch them “magically” appear.

3. ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Write each spelling word in ABC order.

4. RAINBOW SPELLING

5. WRITE A SENTENCE

6. SECRET CODE

7. ROLL A SPELLING WORD

Roll the dice to see which way you are going to practice your spelling words.  Which number did you roll the most?

8. WORD ILLUSTRATIONS

Students choose 4 different spelling words to illustrate. As an extension, can they write a sentence to go with the picture?

9. TRACE WORDS

Practice each word as you trace it with different writing tools.

10. EMOJI SPELLING

11. PATTERN BLOCK SPELLING

12. VOWELS AND CONSONANTS

13. SCRABBLE SPELLING

14. SPIN IT — SPELL IT

15. SPELLING MAZE

16. SPELLING SPIRAL

17. SPELLING WORD SYLLABLES

Students practice separating their spelling words into syllables. Count on fingers, clap your hands, or stomp your feet to see how many syllables are in each word. Then circle the corresponding number.

18. SILLY WRITING

19. PYRAMID SPELLING

20. SPELLING RHYMES

21. SPELLING COLORS

22. WORD SEARCH

For your higher-level kiddos, this word search is great! They write their words either across, down, or as a challenge, diagonal on the grid. Then place random letters among the words. Share with a partner to see if they can find all of your “hidden” words!

23. WORD ART

24. CREATE A STORY

How many spelling words can your students include in a story? Write a short story that makes sense and illustrate it.

25. KEYBOARD WORDS

26. STAMPING SPELLING WORDS

Everybody loves dot markers! Grab a few different colors and stamp your spelling words as you read them.

27. SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS

For a more challenging activity, connect spelling practice with vocabulary work by finding a synonym and antonym for each spelling word.

28. SIGN LANGUAGE SPELLING

29. How Many Sounds

30. Tic-Tac-Toe Spelling

Perfect for partner spelling activities. Your students can each take a color and play tic-tac-toe with their spelling words.

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Free Sub Plans (Grades 1-3)

Get 3 FULL DAYS of sub plans so you can take your sick days when you need them! Zero-prep plans AND editable templates to customize your classroom info and routines!

Word Work Menus That Work- Strategic Spelling Activities

I have always struggled with spelling, and how to engage students in meaningful activities to practice their spelling words!  I have tried just about everything under the sun, from rotating through teacher-selected word work centers, to a free choice spelling menu where students try to complete different activities throughout the week.  Nothing seemed to work!

The Problems With My Old Word Work Routines:

When my students went to my teacher-selected centers, they were just going through the motions.  They lacked excitement, and therefore engagement with the work.  When they weren’t engaged, the amount of learning decreased and their progress slowed.

Then, when I had students selecting from a menu that provided a wide range of activities, I found myself with a completely different set of problems.  While the element of choice encouraged my students to actively engaged in their work, I knew that some of the activities that I provided on the menu would be more beneficial for my students than others.

How could I strike a balance between including choice AND ensuring that my students were selecting activities that would be the most beneficial?  Let me introduce this year’s Word Work Menu:

How This Spelling Menu Works:

This menu is set up like a real menu that our students would find in a restaurant.  There are 3 courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert.  Every word work period, students complete one activity from each round and are encouraged to select a variety of activities throughout the week.

I Love This New Spelling Menu for a Few Reasons:

•  It allows me to prioritize the word work activities that I need them to complete by making those the appetizers (e.g. I am required to have my students complete certain word work activities each week, and now I can guarantee that those will be completed).
• Students are motivated to complete their work so they can get to their favorites in the dessert course.
• There is still lots of choice to keep them engaged!

Want to try it?  You can grab it FREE below, as well as an EDITABLE version so you can include your own activities. YAY!

Word Work Menus

Get Word Work Menus that actually WORK! Providing strategic choice will empower your students, while ensuring they’re practicing essential skills!

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12 comments.

I can’t wait to try this! Thank you for generously sharing.

I am excited to try this with my students. Thank you!

I can’t wait to get this and implement it into my daily routine. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing..

3-25-2020 Thank you for sharing. Remote learning has created a few challenges and this will definitely help!

Thank you! Just what I was looking for!

Thanks for sharing this freebie. I am looking forward to my students using their time in working with words in a meaningful way with this activity!

I have been trying to get this free resource for a week, and when I click on the Get Me Now button, nothing happens. Would you be able to help me out? Thank you in advance

Hi Gretchen! I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Would you please email me? [email protected] . I’m more than happy to help.

I’m loving your posts and all your great creative ideas. Thank you so much for graciously sharing them with us all.

Such great ideas for my kiddos to work independently. Thank you for your generosity.

I am excited to use this!

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word work resources for teachers & parents

SUPPORTING TEACHERS & FAMILIES

Engaging resources to build phonics and word skills.

Welcome to Free Word Work! I’m Cathy, the creator of www.freewordwork.com. Check out my About section to learn more about me and this site.

This site is growing to include phonics and sight word practice. Look for expanded language skills and word lists to be added.

What is Word Work?

Word work is an important part of reading instruction in the classroom.

You might find it during whole group instruction, literacy centers or small group instruction. Developing word work skills will help your young readers.

During word work, your goals include:

• helping your children recognize patterns in reading and spelling
• working on memorization of sight words
• encouraging children to explore and use new words

As teachers, our hope is that as you work on the above goals, your students will begin to develop a love of reading and writing.

With careful planning, word work time in your classroom will become a time your children love.

VIEW OUR RESOURCES

Exploring this Site

Free Word Work is broken into six main sections. Each section focuses on a different aspect of your instruction. Under each section you will find free resources I have created to help you in your classroom.

Currently, my focus is on developing the sight words and phonics sections. I have had many requests for a range of worksheets and cut & paste activities for phonics practice.

As school begins to look more normal in the coming months and next year, I will be working on creating new hands on activities for your word work centers.

Browse the Free Word Work collections below

What’s New?

If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, you can take a peek at the newest printables I have created below. Click on each image to view the post.

Connect with me! Please send me any requests you have for future resources via [email protected] .

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5 Fun and Engaging Word Work Activities for Little Learners

Teach important early literacy skills with word work. These fun and engaging word work activities are perfect for your literacy centers!

5 Important Word Work Activities to Implement in K-2

As a primary teacher, I’m sure that one of your goals is to create a strong literacy program. You research and plan, and work hard to provide a strong foundation for reading and other language skills in your classroom.

We all know how vital literacy skills are in grades K-2. That is why I have gathered together some fun and engaging word work activities to share with you! The activities will help you build a strong program.

Word work is – or should be – an important part of your daily curriculum. Lessons and activities can center on sight words, word families, spelling words, phonics activities, etc. Word work is simply: working with words! It unusually involved hands-on activities where children “work” with forming words.

There are many patterns in words that show up in the study of word families and phonics. Also, some words we teach “by sight.” To help you decide what to include in your word work lessons, you can check out this helpful article: Teaching a Word Study Program .

Below are 5 important word work activities that I hope you will find useful in your classroom! There are a few ideas for the different types of word work you may enjoy adding to your daily routine.

Spelling Words

Have a weekly spelling list for students to work on , which is assessed at the end of the week. The reasoning behind this is that repetition of specific spellings of similar word patterns is a key to learning them.

The list doesn’t have to be lengthy, either! 5 words will suffice, although many teachers choose to use ten or fifteen. For this to work, it’s helpful to include words with a similar spelling pattern together.

Here are a few specific ways to practice spelling words.

• Rainbow Writing – Have students lay out their markers in rainbow order. Then, given the list of spelling words for the week, the students write all of the words (down the left side of the paper) with red. Next, they will write them all in orange beside those. Then yellow, and so on. By the end, they will have a rainbow of spelling words!
• Finger Painting –  Have students copy down their spelling words on a big piece of paper. Then let them finger paint over their words- tracing each one with their finger!
• Sand Words – Have kids “write” their spelling words with their fingers in a shallow tray of sand.
• Clap It Out – Spell words aloud, while clapping each letter you say.
• Alphabetical Order – Have students put their spelling words in alphabetical order. This gives them practice their words and also helps them work on an important skill.
• Sight Words

Sight words are generally those common words that students will often encounter in their reading. It is important to learn sight words because they help build fluency. Follow a list of words that your school has adopted, or try Dolch or Fry’s lists.

Use these ideas to make learning sight words fun.

• Sight Word Letterboxes – Use these worksheets to help kids identify the shape of the sight words. They must choose the word that fits in the correct box.
• Sight Word Swat – Write sight words on the board and then kids take turns swatting the sight word that is called out with a (clean) fly swatter!
• BINGO – Always a fun game, BINGO can be played with sight words! First one to fill up their card wins!
• Scavenger Hunt – Have students search for sight words around the classroom, school, or home.
• Floor is Lava – Place circles around the floor of the room with sight words on them. The teacher calls out a word and students must look around and jump to that word without touching the floor. Bonus: this is a great gross motor activity!

Dolch Sight Words Program

Word families.

A great tool for teaching a large number of words is the use of word families . These are words that have a common spelling or sound pattern. The following activities get kids working with word families and learning these important spelling patterns and phonetic sounds .

Try these word families activities this week!

• Children’s Books – Find books that offer lots of practice on word families (Think: Dr. Seuss’ Fox in Socks). The rhymes are fun to read together!
• Word Family Flower – Students cut out a circle for the center of a flower. They will write the word family ending that you are currently working on, in the middle. Then, they will cut out petals and write one word from the word family per petal. Glue the petals around the center to create your word family flower!
• Letter Tiles – Using letter tiles, especially magnetic ones that you can use on a pan, is a great way for kids to interact with word families. Give them a challenge of making as many short i words as they can think of, for example.
• Stamps & Playdough – Students can use letter stamps to “stamp” words in playdough that are part of the word families that you are studying. Alternatively, encourage kids to roll and form letters using pieces of playdough.
• Dry-Erase Boards – Kids always enjoy writing on dry erase boards. Give them the task of writing as many short o words as they can think of in 30 seconds, for example.

Short Vowel Word Family Activities

Word work activities for literacy centers.

Literacy centers are wonderful for practicing words and spelling patterns ! By being deliberate with our literacy center planning and providing lots of good opportunities for word work, we will engage students as they actively learn the material.

Try putting some of these word work activities into your literacy centers.

• Paint Bag – Kids will love this fun activity! Pour paint into a ziplock bag. Seal it securely, taping the top down. When flattened, the bag will provide a squishy surface. Call out a spelling word and let kids “write” the word on their bag with their finger.
• Playdough Mats – On each mat, students will find a sight word, a place to write the word, and then, a place to form the word with playdough. A great hands-on activity!
• Color By Word – These coloring sheets are sure to be a hit! They use the sight word key to know what color to use for the picture.
• Lego Letters – Write a letter on each lego. Kids then connect legos together to form words from their spelling list.
• Magic Writing – Students write their words with a white crayon. Then, rub a marker over the word to make it magically appear!

Word work activities are essential!

By interacting with words daily , students build a strong knowledge base that will strengthen their reading skills. The key is to use fun and engaging activities that challenge the students to think and provide plenty of practice.

Which activity will you try? There are many great resources and ideas out there to make word work a daily part of your instruction. The reinforcement from regular practice is crucial for building strong literacy skills.

Check out our resources designed to make implementing word work in your classroom fun and engaging. To get you started, check out the resources below!

Word Work Activities to Try Today!

Word Work Activity Mats

In just a few minutes a day, kids get the practice they need to practice important early literacy skills. The word work is built right into these no-prep activity mats!

Start now! You can download this set of word mats and easily implement daily word work into your routine.

Click the image below to download a free sample!

More Word Work Activities

How to teach phonics word families

Sight word games

Learning sight words

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Upper Elementary Teaching Blog

Word Work Activities for 4th and 5th Grade

Word work is an effective way to help students practice and work with words in engaging ways. But it can be difficult to find engaging and rigorous word work activities for 4th and 5th graders. Rainbow words and writing words in sentences are not the most exciting (or rigorous) ways to work with words. This post will share more details about what word work is, why it is important, and different word work activities that you can use to engage your students and help them build their spelling and vocabulary skills.

What is Word Work?

Word work is just like it sounds…. working with words. Word work is any activity that helps students learn, practice, and manipulate words.

During word work, students can work on a variety of skills involving words. Don’t limit yourself to just spelling rules and patterns. Word study is a great way to incorporate the following word skills:

1. Vocabulary -> Click here grab to vocabulary graphic organizers that are perfect for incorporating vocabulary into word work.

2. Morphology –> Click here to read more about morphology instruction and sign up for free resources.

3. Advanced Decoding Strategies –> Click here to read more about teaching syllable types as an advanced decoding strategy in grades 3-5.

4. Parts of Speech Skills -> Click here to check out a collection of free parts of speech activities for grades 4-5.

Here are some example skills that move beyond just spelling and incorporate the above skills:

• Finding synonyms and antonyms
• Finding connections between or among words
• Building new words by adding, deleting, or changing parts of existing words
• Determining the meaning of a word using context clues or word parts
• Organizing words by categories
• Identifying the root word or base word
• Identifying prefixes or suffixes and how they impact words
• Adding affixes to create new words
• Exploring homophones and their usage
• Making sense of grammar rules that impact spelling or usage of words (plural rules, past tense rules, possessives)
• Exploring specific phonic rules (blends, silent letters, etc.)

Why is Word Work Important?

There are so many reasons why word work is important to fit into your instruction. Here are just a few:

• Word work helps students learn and remember new words, which increases their vocabulary.
• It can help students understand how words function in sentences which can increase grammar and writing skills.
• Students learn to read and spell words correctly (and in ways that are not just memorization).
• It provides students with a chance to be creative and have fun with words.

Word Work Activities

Here are some word work activities that work with any word list or group of words that your students are learning.

1. Word Sorts

Word sorts are a great way to help students explore and categorize words. Students can sort words by their parts of speech, spelling patterns, or other connections.

There are two types of sorts: closed and open.

Closed Sorts- The teacher provides categories for students to use to sort the words.

Open Sorts – The students create the categories to sort the words. This allows them to think creatively and more critically about the words.

Sorts can be done independently or with partners. Students can also sort their words independently and then compare with partners after sorting.

Students can sort words based on grammar skills, phonics skills, or morphology skills.

2. Making Connections

Students can choose a target word from their word list and make connections to other words. To read more about this word work activity and see example connections students can make, click here.

3. Put the Words to Use

Students can create unique sentences and stories that include their words. Make this more engaging by allowing students to use specific writing utensils or work with partners.

4. Creating New Words

Here are a few activities for creating words:

• Using a spelling list or list of words, students can challenge themselves to make as many words as possible using only the letters of a target word from the list.
• Students can create words using specific prefixes and suffixes.
• Students can use morphemes (word parts that hold meaning – affixes/bases/roots) to create words.
• Students can use a morphology matrix to create words with a common root/base. Click here to read about word matrix activities and grab free teaching posters to introduce this activity here.

5. Building Words

Building words is a typical word work activity.

Students can use physical or digital manipulatives to build their spelling words, build words with prefixes/suffixes, build words with common bases or roots, or build words with specific phonics patterns/skills.

6. Word Work Choice Boards

Word work choice boards are another great word work activity that allow students choice and ownership of the tasks they complete with their words.

Want a free set of word work choice boards for Grammar Skills?

These free word work choice boards (printable and digital) work with any list of words assigned to your students. There are also three boards which include differentiated word work activities and tasks. You can decide which level best meets the needs of your students or you can allow your students to choose the level they feel most comfortable with.

Here are some examples of the options on leveled choice boards:

• Write what part of speech the word is, and prove your answer
• Use the word in a unique sentence
• Write a synonym or an antonym for the word
• Does the word have multiple possible meanings? Write all of the possible meanings
• Write another word that is the same part of speech as the word. Explain how both words are that part of speech.
• Write the word accurately as many times as you can in a minute.
• Write the word in a declarative sentence, an interrogative sentence, and an exclamatory sentence.
• Create an analogy with the word.
• Create 3-5 new words using some or all of the letters from your word.

Download the word work choice boards by clicking here or on the image below.

These word work choice boards can be used in literacy centers (using the printable or digital version) or you can project the digital choice board for a whole class activity.

7. Word Work Jenga

Want to get really engaging with your word work activities? Try the Jenga version of the activities on the choice board. Read more and grab the directions for this activity here.

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Last updated on January 12, 2021

Spelling Word Worksheets – Editable for ANY Word List!

Do you feel like you spend hours making, prepping, or searching for spelling activities each week? NO more! These spelling word worksheets, editable for any list, are game changers! Oh, and did I mention, students LOVE them? 😍🥳🙌

Spelling words…I have a love/hate relationship with them! They’re so important, but let’s be real – they can get monotonous…NOT anymore! This editable pack of spelling word activities is fun, engaging, and EASY to use.

Editable Spelling Word Worksheets for ANY Word List!

Did I mention these spelling activities work for ANY word list? Whether it’s weekly spelling words, vocabulary words, or phonics skill words, all you need to do is type in your list. ONCE! Then ta-da! The activities on every page will generate based on the words you put in.

See all the words in the table? I typed those in! Now they’ll appear on all of the pages!

First, you get a word list!

These come two to a page, so you only need half the copies! Don’t need it? That’s okay, too. Just don’t print it.

See that word bank? Thank you autofill!

I think practicing vowels and consonants is so important!

Writing silly sentences is always a favorite!

Practice typing skills without a keyboard! The kids LOVE this one.

This one utilizes a paperclip and a pencil OR a transparent spinner.

…because I get angry when words aren’t in ABC order. 😡

These beginning sound codes have been such a hit in the seasonal spelling activities that I knew I had to include them in this set, too.

Tallying the number of sounds…also known as phonemic awareness.

What student doesn’t love drawing pictures for homework?

Rhyming words

They can match up the spelling words that rhyme or generate their own!

Surprise stacks are also known as word pyramids. These are great for memorizing spelling!

Here students will write their words backwards…and forwards!

Write every word in an AB pattern!

Grumpy graphs combine spelling and math!

Rainbow write is one of my personal favorites!

Remember not to input the words based on length…leave that to the kids!

This one is more about just using the word in a sentence…students need to use the word in an ASKING sentence.

Those silly sentences can’t be used in this shocking story!

Students need to find their spelling words…after they hide them!

Here’s another combination of spelling and math…plus, students practice vowels VS consonants again!

The best part of this page is that students have to decide how to sort their words.

How’s that for higher-order thinking?!

It might be hard to see in the picture…but all of the spelling words are in a traceable font!

These phonics boxes really make the kids think!

Another spinner activity!

So, what do you think? It’s fast for you and fun for them! If you’re interested in grabbing these spelling word worksheets editable for any list, you can find them in my TpT store, or by clicking here .

What do you do to keep spelling from getting monotonous and boring? I would love to hear your ideas. Let me know below! 👇

About the Author

I help elementary teachers streamline their phonics and reading instruction by giving them all of the information and resources they need to maximize every reading lesson and raise their students reading levels once and for all.

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• Ready-to-use pages for 100+ skills so you have exactly what you need for every phonics lesson without wasting precious time prepping materials!
• 3 phonics lesson tips to ensure your students master phonics skills the first time they’re taught!
• My secret to raising reading levels without spending all day teaching reading groups!

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First Grade Word Work Activities That Kids Will Love

If you’re a 1st grade teacher, you know that trying to fit everything into your day can seem like an impossible task. First grade word work contains so many different skills!

There are high frequency words, phonics, phonemic awareness, spelling words and grammar. The list seems endless. Take a look at how I fit all of these skills into one easy lesson every day with our first grade word work activities.

What is word work?

We think of word work for first grade as learning about words in all different ways. Students may manipulate letters to build words, look at different phonics patterns, practice sounding out words, learn the patterns in different word families, memorize the spelling of different sight words or other high frequency words and even practice some grammar skills along the way.

Students can practice word work activities at your literacy centers, during writing instruction or independent learning time with a printable worksheet and even for homework. These are all great ideas for fitting word work into your day but we have a daily word study that combines phonics, grammar and high frequency words into one fun lesson.

First Grade Word Work Activities

Most students come to first grade with a letter/sound background. They usually recognize most of the letters and know that letters each make a specific sound. But learning to read is so much more than letters and sounds.

Students must learn that letters go together to form words. Words go together to form sentences. Sentences become paragraphs. Paragraphs go together to form a story.

In addition to all of that, students need to learn grammar rules too. Breaking this down for young children can seem daunting. Each skill builds upon the other, but where do you begin? And how do you fit everything into your day?

Fitting It All In

When I first started teaching first grade I wondered how I was ever going to fit everything into my day. I knew I needed to streamline my lessons but I didn’t want to leave anything out. All of the skills were important to teach my students how to read.

In our classroom, we use a program called the First Grade Word Study . This simple daily program is perfect for any first grade classroom, because it follows a standard first grade curriculum.

The First Grade Word Study is a year long program that contains 30 lessons. Each lesson includes 4 phonics, grammar and high frequency word activities for each week. All of the activities are contained on one slide for each day.

The slides can be projected onto your board in the front of the classroom. Using this one simple slide, your class can do a daily review of skills that include phonics, high frequency words, spelling and grammar.

First Grade Phonics

We spend about 20 minutes each day doing our first grade word work. We begin the lesson with a review of our phonics skill for the week. The phonics skills on the word study begin in Lesson 1 with simple CVC words and increase in difficulty as the year progresses. Students practice reading words and sentences out loud.

In our classroom, I call on different students to come up and read a line of words out loud. This is great practice in sounding out words and gives the teacher the opportunity to reinforce letter sounds and how we blend the letters together to make words.

First Grade High Frequency Words

Next, we practice our high frequency words for the week. The first grade word study is editable so teachers can add whatever words their class is working on for the week. During this time, students will practice reading the words out loud and we’ll compare the words to see if any of them have similar qualities. I use this time to help students notice different blends, digraphs, endings, long vowels, and other phonics strategies in their high frequency words.

Sometimes we will play games with our words like Word Wars or Around the World where students will compete to see who can read or spell the word the fastest.

First Grade Grammar

During our first grade word work activities we also learn about grammar. Each week we introduce a new grammar skill such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, preposition, pronouns and more. The students learn how to use these grammar skills in sentences. The first grade word study includes a section for us to practice grammar skills each day.

Students can come up to the board and find nouns or verbs in sentences. Sometimes they will write the missing adjective in a sentence. The skills vary from week-to-week but follow a typical scope and sequence of the introduction of grammar skills in first grade.

Word Work Games

Finally, we end the lesson with a reading or spelling game. The first grade word study has a daily game that the students love. The games are different each day and include things like Build A Man (similar to hangman but they are building a man instead), Tic Tac Toe, Read It Write It Word Jar and other games. Each game focuses on the phonics skill for that week and students look forward to playing each day.

Students Love the First Grade Word Study

My students actually look forward to our first grade word work. Each lesson is interactive, which gives the students a chance to come up and participate. Students use an expo marker to add letters to words, fill in missing words in sentences and play different word study games on our board.

I love using the word study because I can fit so many important skills into one short 20 minute lesson each day. If you use the Journeys reading series it is especially nice because it includes slides specific to that reading series. However, because it follows a typical phonics and grammar scope and sequence it works for any first grade classroom. The high frequency words are editable so teachers can add any words that they are using in their classroom.

Here’s what other teachers have to say about the First Grade Word Study

“Best purchase! I use these everyday. My students LOVE the tic tac toe and the unscrambling the words. Thank you for making this resource!” – Leah

“I use the daily practice slides 2-3 times a week (as often as my schedule allows). My students love when I use them. I appreciated the organized practice and review that is provided. My students love the variety in delivery. They particularly enjoy tic-tac-toe and the flashlight activities. Thank you for sharing! I have even had a couple of coworkers purchase this resource after seeing me use it with my class.” – Renee

“These are a GAME CHANGER! We adopted Journeys this year and I love it, but I’m also completely overwhelmed by all of it!! These slides are easy to use, clear for students, and help me hit several skills in one sitting. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” – Emily

“My students loved using this resource. It made learning the material hands on and fun for them. Thank you!” – Melissa

“This is my VERY favorite item to help squeeze in a quick 15 minute lesson that is just packed with worthwhile learning!” – Laura

“As a first year teacher this resource saved my life! I am able to fit it in under 20 minutes! My students know what to expect and I get full participation in class! Thank you!” – Andrea

“These activities can be used whole group on a Smart Board or printed and used for center time. My students enjoy the activities, and I love that they’re already planned out with clear explanations for me.” – Stephani

“I use this everyday in my classroom. The kids are thoroughly engaged and love to help fill in the blanks. Very practical. Very useful. Worth every cent.” – Amanda

If you’re struggling to fit everything into your day, and want a resource that packs a punch in your daily word study activities, this just may be the answer you’ve been searching for. It’s a great way to teach all your skills in a quick, easy and fun daily lesson! Take a closer look at this resource here.

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• Mar 31, 2023

Weekly Spelling List with Activities and Homework

Updated: Jun 19, 2023

Over the years I found it frustrating that I did not have simple homework packets saved up for my students. I decided this year to create a resource with in class activities that align with weekly homework. Each week focuses on different spelling patterns like "ai" or "ey."

I wanted a resource that had everything a teacher needed for centers AND homework too. So I got to work and created these Weekly Spelling Activities and Homework Packets. There are 15 at my store now! You can check it out at my TpT store .

While spelling practice may seem like a boring and outdated practice, it offers students the ability to develop a deeper understanding of our language. When students learn proper spelling and common spelling patterns they deepen their vocabulary and reading skills. Students also develop better writing and communication skills through fluent writing.

For this weeks Friday Freebie I am giving away an ENTIRE packet for free! This is over 20 different activities for your kiddos! If you like it, you can continue to use these resources in your classroom.

Weekly Word Work Packet

Each week, students are given a spelling list based on the spelling pattern. I also provide a list with pictures to help students visualize the word as well. Students have a Word Work Packet. The Word Work packet has lots of different hands on activities. Some of the activities are vowel picture / word sorts and build a word with the spelling pattern. There are over 15 activities for the week.

Weekly Homework Packet

In each resource I include a Homework Packet that aligns with the activities from Word Work. For homework, students have a word search, word analysis, picture match and more. There is everything you need for phonics work in this one resource! Everything is aligned to the spelling pattern. There is plenty of practice for students to master these words throughout the week!

You can grab this freebie below, and be sure to check out all the other Spelling Lists with Word Work and Homework Packets at my TpT Store ! Happy Teaching!

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 Spelling Homework Ideas

Need some ideas for spelling homework? Check out the gigantic list below of great ideas! You'll find the first 20 ideas here, and the remaining ones here . Each idea can be used with any list of weekly spelling words. Choose the ones that work best for your grade level. Vary the activities frequently.

Note: You might also want to consider our new  AnyWord Spelling Practice eBooks . They are full of ideas for lots of spelling practice with any spelling words. The 3 eBooks provide practice with creative writing, word play, and partner games.  Check them out !

Printable List of Spelling Homework Ideas

1. Write each word 5 times, using a different color each time.

2. Type your spelling words 10 times, using a different font each time.

3. Create a comic strip. Add captions that use 5 of your words.

4. Write the words in ABC order.

5. Write the words in reverse ABC order.

6. Write a TV ad for a product that uses 5 of your spelling words.

7. Find each word in the dictionary. Copy a definition for each one.

8.  Cut each spelling word out of a newspaper or magazine. Glue all the words on a piece of paper.

9. Write a sentence for each spelling word, but leave out the spelling words. List all the words on the page. Ask a family member to add the correct spelling word to each sentence.

Remember: Spelling homework not only prompts students to practice their spelling words. It can also help engage family members in the learning process.

10. Find each word in the dictionary. Write the page number on which it appears and the guide words at the top of the page.

11.  Write each word in a sentence. Make pictures for 3 sentences.

12. Write your spelling words. Add a rhyming word next to each one.

13. Write a story that uses 10 spelling words. Remember: Spelling homework not only prompts students to practice their spelling words. It can also help get family members involved in the learning process.

14. Scramble each spelling word. Have a family member unscramble the words and sign your paper.

15. Spell your words with alphabet pasta. Glue them onto paper.

16. Cut out paper letters for half of the words and glue onto paper.

17. Make a word search puzzle in which you hide all of your spelling words. Give it to a family member to solve and sign.

18. For a different type of word search, draw a Boggle-type game board. Make sure it contains at least 5 of your spelling words. See if a family member can find the spelling words.

19.  Make two copies of your spelling words on index cards. Use the cards to play a memory or "Concentration" game with a family member.

20. Write each word forwards and backwards.

Find our next 20 ideas here .

Ideas for using our list:

At the beginning of the week , give students a written list of 5 of these  ideas. Ask them to complete them in any order throughout the week.

Or, make a monthly spelling calendar. Write a different idea on the calendar for each school day in the month.

For more spelling homework ideas:

Need more ideas? See this list of 20 more homework ideas and/or our AnyWord Spelling Practice eBooks . 

Fun spelling practice ideas - Great ways for kids to help each other practice writing almost any spelling words. Time saver for you!

For additional spelling practice, try our spelling worksheets and spelling word games . 

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55 Fun Sight Word Activities That Work

It’s a myth that blindly memorizing every letter in a sight word is the only way to learn it.

Teachers are always on the hunt for great sight word activities. Sight words are any words readers recognize automatically “by sight”—for fluent readers, that’s almost all words! High-frequency words, the most commonly occurring words in written English, like those on the Dolch list , are often thought of as the most crucial sight words.

It’s a myth that blindly memorizing every letter in a sight word is the only way to learn it. The science of reading tells us that linking sounds and letters is the most effective way for kids’ brains to learn any word. Many common words are easy to tackle using beginning phonics skills (like “at,” “can,” “him,” etc.), so staying true to a strong phonics curriculum is one way to support kids’ sight word learning. Even irregularly spelled words have decodable parts, e.g., kids can use the sounds of “s” and “d” to help with “said,” even if the “ai” is unexpected. Experts often call these words “heart words” to call out for kids that they should learn the unexpected word parts “by heart.” (If all this is unfamiliar to you, it can feel overwhelming, but you’ve got this! Check out teaching guru Jillian Starr’s explanation for more help.)

Read: What Are Sight Words?

Check out these low-prep and engaging sight word activities for both teaching and practicing words.

Sight Word Activities for Introducing Words

These activities are great when you are introducing new words or when students need a reminder of the letters and patterns that make up each word.

1. Map it and drive it

@droppinknowledgewithheidi/LEGO sight word activity via Instagram

This is a genius way to introduce words with appealing materials: Say the word, represent each sound with a LEGO brick, write letters for each sound, and “drive” to read it.

Learn more: @droppinknowledgewithheidi

2. Smush play dough for each sound

@playdough2plato/Sound mapping activity via Instagram

Set up a routine that works for any word. Play dough squishing for each sound is the ultimate multi-sensory component.

Learn more: @playdough2plato

3. Map words with a magnet wand

@warriorsforliteracy/Heart word activity via Instagram

It is so super-satisfying to drag those magnetic dots around! Watch the video below for lots of tips on introducing a word using this process.

Learn more: @warriorsforliteracy

4. Make a mini book

@hughesheartforfirst/Sight word activity via Instagram

Create a mini-book they can take home with them to read on their own.

Learn more: @hughesheartforfirst

5. Tap it, pop it, learn it!

@hellojenjones/Pop-It sight word activity via Instagram

Hardwire those words in kids’ brains with this comprehensive word intro routine. (You had us with the Pop-Its !)

Source: @hellojenjones

Sight Word Activities for Practicing Words

Once students have learned a word, it’s all about practice, practice, practice! These activities will help students learn words by “heart.”

6. Find and swat words

@kids_play_laugh_learn/Sight word activity via Instagram

An oldie but such a goodie. Find a word in an array and whack! Swat it with a fly swatter!

Learn more: @kids_play_learn_laugh

7. Flip word pancakes

Playdough to Plato/Sight word pancakes via playdoughtoplato.com

Serve up sight word pancakes while practicing spelling them aloud.

Learn more: Playdough to Plato

8. Wear heart word bracelets

@teachingmore/Sight word bracelets via Instagram

Make kids feel like sight word VIPs and keep sight word review on hand.

Learn more: @teachingmoore

9. Search for sight word balls

@preschoolforyou/Sight word ball activity via Instagram

Write sight words on ball pit balls with a chalk marker or dry-erase marker. Kids can race around hunting for balls to read and toss in a basket, or hunt through a big tub of balls for a certain word.

Learn more: @preschoolforyou

10. Start a sight word band

@earlyyears_withmrsg/Sight word band via Instagram

Loud but oh-so fun! Feel the rhythm while tapping and reading sight words stuck to homemade percussion instruments.

Learn more: @earlyyears_withmrsg

11. Drive on a sight word path

@travisntyler/sight word car activity via Instagram

This is one of many fun ways to use magnetic tiles for learning! Kids love “knocking down” word tiles with a toy car as they read each one.

Learn more: @travisntyler

12. Use sticky notes to inspire sight word sentences

@kinneypodlearning/sticky note sentence activity via Instagram

Have kids stick words on items that give them ideas for sentences. “My Mom said to wear a helmet!” = so good!

Learn more: @kinneypodlearning

13. Write words on a sensory bag

@make.it.multisensory/Gel bag activity via Instagram

So easy: Fill a zip-top bag with a small amount of kid-safe paint, seal well, and have kids practice “writing” sight words with their finger or a cotton swab.

Learn more: @makeitmultisensory

14. Wear a sight word crown

@mrsjonescreationstation/Sight word hats via Instagram

Wear your word proudly and practice reading others’ words. Fun in person or virtually.

Learn more: @mrsjonescreationstation

15. Play a magnetic-tile board game

@twotolove_bairantwins/Sight word racetrack via Instagram

We love new ideas for ways to use magnetic tiles for sight word activities. Easy to set up and fun to play.

Learn more: @twotolove_bairantwins

16. Spell words to a familiar tune

@builditbre/Sight word song via Instagram

Get sight words stuck in everyone’s head, in a good way. We’d add a line for chanting the sounds in the word!

Learn more: @builditbre

17. Feed a word monster

@ecplayandlearn/Sight word monster via Instagram

Nom, nom, nom.

Learn more: @ecplayandlearn

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18. Search for the pom-pom under sight word cups

@la.la.learning/Sight word cup game via Instagram

Read all the words as you try to find the cup that hides the prize.

Learn more: @la.la.learning

19. Play sight word Kaboom!

@essentiallykinder/Sight word game via Instagram

This classroom classic is perfect for sight words. If you need a refresher on the rules, Jillian Starr covers them.

Learn more: @essentiallykinder

20. Roll and write words

@mylittlepandamonium/Sight word dice roll game via Instagram

Roll, write, repeat.

Learn more: @mylittlepandamonium

21. Write words with rainbow colors

@mylittlepandamonium/Sight word rainbow writing via Instagram

Bonus points for aromatic markers.

22. Trace words with flashlights

@giggleswithgerg/Sight word flashlight writing via Instagram

Stock up on batteries because kids never get tired of this!

Learn more: @giggleswithgerg

23. Find words in plastic eggs

@blooming_tots1/Sight word hunt via Instagram

Give kids a checklist of words to find as they open each egg.

Learn more: @blooming_tots1

24. Spy words around the classroom

@readingcorneronline/I Spy sight words activity via Instagram

Just add a magnifying glass and clipboard to make kids feel like supersleuths!

Learn more: @readingcorneronline

25. Find words in the morning message

@tales_of_a_kinder_classroom/Morning meeting sight words via Instagram

Don’t forget about old standbys! This is one of our favorite ways to get kids to recognize sight words in connected text.

Learn more: @tales_of_a_kinder_classroom

26. Build words with bricks

The Printable Princess/Sight words with bricks via theprintableprincess.com

Such a great use of extra building bricks!

Learn more: The Printable Princess

27. Write words in sand

@teacherhacks_/Sand writing via Instagram

Easy-peasy to set up and keep neat if you use plastic pencil boxes.

Learn more: @teacherhacks

28. Spell words on a construction site

@planningplaytime/Construction site sight words via Instagram

Bulldozing over each word to read it is the best part!

Learn more: @planningplaytime

29. Spell words with toy cars

@lozlovesprep/Car sight word activity via Instagram

Drive on over!

Learn more: @lozlovesprep

30. Park in a sight word “parking lot”

@msbendersclassroom/Parking lot sight word activity via Instagram

This one is easy to modify based on whatever toys are available in the classroom or at home.

Learn more: @msbendersclassroom

31. “Plant” words in play dough

@planningplaytime/Sight word play dough activity via Instagram

Watch those reading skills grow!

32. Build words in a sensory tub

@coffeeandspitup/Sight word tub activity via Instagram

Because spelling is just more fun when your hands are covered in beans!

Learn more: @coffeeandspitup

33. Write words on a magnetic drawing board

@moffattgirls/Sight word magnetic writing via Instagram

That eraser track makes for a perfect word card holder!

Learn more: @moffattgirls

34. Or write words on the window!

@kindergarten_matters/Word writing activity via Instagram

Everyone wants a turn to write on the window!

Learn more: @kindergarten_matters

35. Shhh! Discover words written in invisible ink

@teachstarter/Invisible ink words via Instagram

Write words in white crayon and reveal them with watercolors on top!

Learn more: @teachstarter

36. Dot-paint words with a cotton swab

@sightwordactivities/Sight word painting via Instagram

Calming and effective.

Learn more: @sightwordactivities

37. “Type” words on a keyboard

@lifebetweensummers/Sight word keyboarding via Instagram

Busy day at the sight word office! Use a keyboard cover or any old keyboard.

Learn more: @lifebetweensummers

38. Read words before heading through the door

@msrowe.kinder/Sight words on doors via Instagram

The line leader can double as the word pointer during transitions.

Learn more: @ms.rowekinder

39. Read the word the teacher’s wearing!

@libblyklinnerteaching/Sight word teacher activity via Instagram

Wait, is there something on my shirt?

Learn more: @theprimarypartner

40. Take a sight word cakewalk

@joyfulinkinder/Sight word walk via Instagram

Choose a winning word when the music stops!

Learn more: @joyfulinkinder

41. Play sight word hopscotch

@wheretheliteracygrows/Sight word hop scotch via Instagram

If you can’t get outdoors, tape on the floor works just as well.

Learn more: @wheretheliteracygrows

42. Play tic-tac-toe

Boy Mama Teacher Mama/Sight word tic-tac-toe via boymamateachermama.com

I’ll be team “look.”

Learn more: Boy Mama Teacher Mama

43. Go sight word bowling

@thecreativeteacher_/Sight word bowling via Instagram

No bowling pins? Use half-filled plastic water bottles instead.

Learn more: @thecreativeteacher_

44. Ready, aim, read

@laurens_lil_learners/Sight word target via Instagram

Just throw a beanbag at a word target if foam darts are a no-go.

Learn more: @laurens_lil_learners

45. Play muffin tin ball toss

@fun_with_lynda/Sight word muffin tin activity via Instagram

Toss a ball or pom-pom into the muffin tin and read the word. It’s easy to use colored muffin cups to prep different sets of words.

Learn more: @fun_with_lynda

46. DIY sentence flash cards

@teachertipsandtales/Sentence writing via Instagram

Authentic use of words in context for the win.

Learn more: @teachertipsandtales

47. Play sight word checkers

@sightwordactivities/Sight word checkers via Instagram

King me! If kids don’t have a partner available, they can “play” with a stuffed animal and get double practice.

48. Play sight word Guess Who?

@rebekahpoeteaching/Sight word Guess Who? game via Instagram

Set up this game once and use it forever.

Learn more: @RebekahPoeTeaching

49. Sight word jars

No Time for Flash Cards/Sight word jars via notimeforflashcards.com

Students organize a big jar of letters into words and pack them into smaller jars. Or put the letters you need for each word into a jar and students pour out the letters, then spell.

Learn more: No Time for Flash Cards

50. Sight word fishing

A Teachable Teacher/Sight word fishing via ateachableteacher.com

Put paper clips on notecards with sight words written on them, and have students go fishing.

Learn more: A Teachable Teacher

51. Sight word balloon toss

No Time for Flash Cards/Sight word toss via notimeforflashcards.com

On those hot days, take students outside and write sight words on the pavement. Fill water balloons and have kids toss them at the words they read.

52. Sight words on the menu

The Kindergarten Connection/Sight word cafe via thekindergartenconnection.com

Put sight words in the pretend-play center and have students request, and then be served, sight words.

Learn more: The Kindergarten Connection

53. Sight word dominoes

No Time for Flash Cards/Sight word dominoes via notimeforflashcards.com

Create sight word dominoes out of note cards and have students play dominoes, matching sight word with sight word.

54. Sight word caterpillar

This Reading Mama/Caterpillar sight words via thisreadingmama.com

Write letters on bottle caps and have students build sight words by adding letters to the caterpillar’s body.

Learn more: This Reading Mama

55. Sight word rubbings

The OT Toolbox/Sight word rubbings via theottoolbox.com

Create raised sight words using a glue gun. When the glue is dry, students can use the cards to color over and see sight word rubbings.

Learn more: The OT Toolbox

We’d love to hear—what are your favorite sight word activities? Share in the comments below.

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