What is Make-A Word ?
Throughout my website, you may have seen me refer to Make-A-Word activities. This technique adds variety to spelling practice, rather than constantly writing with a pencil, children build words using letter cards. and reading practice. They are practicing the same concepts in a different way. The activity changes as your child grows, but the same set of letter cards can be used for years.
One of the most valuable reading tools you can own is a simple set of letter cards. As your child grows, the activities change—but the same letter cards continue to build stronger readers year after year.
Best Storage System
Store each letter in its own small zip-top bag. Place the bags in a shoe-box-sized plastic container with simple alphabet dividers made from manila folders.
When it's time for Make-A-Word, pull out only the letters you need. At the end of the activity, have your child put the letters away one letter at a time. This keeps the cards organized and helps them last for years.
About Mrs. Bee's Learning Studio
Mrs. Bee's Learning Studio creates printable phonics, reading, and comprehension resources for homeschool families, parents, and elementary teachers. Every activity is designed by a veteran elementary reading teacher with over 24 years of classroom experience to help children become confident readers.
Letter Cards
The same letter cards used in kindergarten continue to be used through the elementary years, making them one of the best long-term reading tools you can own.
Print the cards on cardstock, double-sided if possible. I use yellow for vowels and blue for consonants so vowels are easy to find, but any two colors will work.
Kindergarten
Beginning readers use 3- and 4-space word mats to help them hear each sound in a word. As I say a word, children place one letter in each space until the word is complete.
(Insert picture of word mats.)
First Grade
By first grade, most children no longer need the mats. I simply say, "Show me how to spell..." and choose the words I want them to practice. Children build each word with their letter cards. There is always a mystery word that uses all of the letter in front of them. ( Bathtubs is a good example. at this stage give hints or ask how to spell that, hut, us, etc)
Second & Third Grade
For older children, Make-A-Word becomes a word challenge. I secretly choose a large word and give students only the letters needed to spell it. They make as many smaller words as possible using those letters before trying to discover the mystery word.