Beginning Sounds in Nature: Phonics Game
Games
15 minutesGradesKEnglish Language Arts
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Written by Elizabeth Ward
About this activity
Beginning Sounds in Nature is an interactive game that helps students practice identifying the first letter sound in nature-themed words such as rock, sun, and fox. Through play, students strengthen their phonemic awareness and phonics skills while engaging with familiar nature images. At the end of the game, students can review all the words and pictures together and even print a set of cards for continued practice at home or in the classroom. Learning about nature and developing a love for animals and plants is important for students in becoming advocates for a clean and healthy environment for all.
Everything you need to teach it
- Beginning Sounds in Nature: Phonics GameView Activity
Teaching tips
- This game works well on a smartboard for whole-class play or on a computer/tablet in learning centers for individual or small-group practice. It is not recommended for phones due to screen size limitations.
- Some students may find it helpful to preview the images and words with the teacher before playing the game. The Teacher Answer Key can be used as a preview and review tool.
- Use the game as a skill reinforcer with fluent students or as a skill introduction during group time.
- Encourage students to use the printable set of cards at the end of the game for additional practice or review at home.
- For extra engagement, challenge students to come up with additional nature words that start with the same sound.
- To extend learning, invite students to sort the printed cards by attributes such as living and non-living.
- Extend the activity into a writing center by inviting students to write about one of the objects featured in the game.
- The game can be used as an assessment after small group learning.
- For additional skill practice, check out these other resources:
From the scientist review
This resource uses illustrations of plants, animals and other common sights in nature to instruct students in phonics. The selection of images is closely tied to nature studies, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
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Elizabeth Ward
Elizabeth Ward, B.S., is SubjectToClimate's Chief Product Officer. She has more than 12 years of teaching experience across 3rd-grade science and social studies, Kindergarten, and online EFL, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement. She has spent 8 years in the education sector, spanning curriculum development and ed tech. Outside of work, she loves exploring the natural beauty of her home state of Texas.
