1. Word Reading
All the words in this freebie are phonetically regular, meaning that the sounds follow the rules, and students can use their letter-sound knowledge to decode them.
Reading Groups:
In small groups, I give each student a pile of cards, a smiley face, and an unsure face. Students read the words, and if they know the words, they put them in the smiley pile; if they don’t, they put them in the unsure pile. I take turns listening to students read their smile pile and then go through the unsure pile with them, supporting them as needed so that everything moves to the smile pile!
Independent:
For independent centers, students can follow the same routine, except they read their words to a partner. They can also record themselves reading their pile on seesaw or flipgrid.
2. Matching Words and Pictures
This flashcard freebie includes a visual representation of each word. The words and pictures are numbered so you can easily track the sets.
Reading Groups:
Students are given a set of words and pictures and match the phrase to the corresponding image. When introducing this game, I ask students to separate the words and pictures and determine if they will match words to images or vice versa.
This freebie also includes phrases, so students can build a phrase based on a picture prompt.
Independent:
Students can sort their own cards. They can read the words/phrases to a peer or partner who will check their work. Based on the amount of time, they can sort multiple piles. They can also record themselves reading their matches on Seesaw or flipgrid.
3. Blending/Segmenting (pictures only)
Blending and segmenting are critical components in learning to read. Blending is when a student says or hears individual sounds and then puts them together to make a word.
Segmenting is the opposite, where students say or hear a word and then break it apart into individual sounds.
Reading Groups:
Blending: I give students 3-4 picture cards and then blend a word. Whoever has the word hands me their card. For example, I will say, “Who has /c/ /a/ /t/?”
Segmenting: I give students 3-4 picture cards, and then they take turns segmenting the word. I start with one student, ask them to segment one of their words, and then move on to the next student. While waiting for their turn, students can practice segmenting their picture cards.
To learn more about phonological awareness, check out this post.
4. Sorting
Sorting helps students discriminate between sounds. You can ask students to sort in various ways, including the initial wound, final sound, or vowel sound. You can use word cards, picture cards, or a combination of the two when sorting.
Reading Groups:
The first time we sort, I give each student a small pile of cards, and we sort as a group. For example, if we are sorting by vowel sounds, I may say, “Who has a word with the /a/ sound,” and students give me their cards one at a time, and we sort them.
Once they understand how to sort, I give each student a larger pile so that they can sort individually while I monitor the sorting process.
Independent:
Once you have taught students how to sort in small groups, you can have them repeat the process for independent centers!
5. Tic Tac Toe
This is a student favorite and a great way to practice word reading.
Reading Groups:
When playing tic tac toe, we only use the word cards. Set them up in a 3x3 grid and use any manipulative as x’s and o’s. The only rule is that students must read the word before claiming it.
You can use the same set and continuously shuffle it to practice word reading automatically or have students swap piles for a new game.
Independent:
Once you have taught students how to play the game in small groups, you can have them repeat the process for independent centers!
Get your flashcard freebie!
I hope you have found ways to incorporate flashcards with your reading instruction and independent centers. Click here to get this massive freebie, and let me know in the comments if there is another way you love to use flashcards!
Decodable Text Freebie
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