78 Tap it, Map it, Graph it, Zap it
Emily Mahany
Strategy Overview:
- The object of this game is to sound out the words the student is given. They will use problem solving skills to figure out how many sounds are in the word and then spell it out. They will then blend the word together.
- This is important because it shows students how to sound out words and sounds and blend sounds together to make words. It shows students how to chunk sounds together.
- This can be used as a station in your classroom. The teacher can have a group of students and give them a word and they can play this game.
- “Once children know the letters of the alphabet and the sounds they stand for, they’re ready to use those building blocks to read words and simple sentences. Building strong phonics skills in the early years of school is the key to your child becoming a strong, independent reader.” (Culbert, 2024)
Strategy in Action
Students are meeting with the teacher at the back table for word work. The students will get their sheets and put it in their clear pockets. They will get a magnet, chips and a dry erase marker as well. The teacher will give a word such as “Turn”. The student will tap out three sounds in turn and place chips on 3 dots. They will then take the chips to the map section as they blend the sounds. They will then write the words in the appropriate sound boxes and then blend the word as they zap it with the magnet.
Related Resources:
References
Culbert, K. (2019, November 13). Phonics: The most important skill that beginning readers learn. Medium. https://medium.com/@kfculbert/phonics-the-most-important-skill-that-beginning-readers-learn-b2c5425620dc
