Segmenting Words with Playdough (4 Phonemes)

This set of phoneme segmentation task cards will be the perfect addition to your English group rotation activity box. A teacher has created the task cards to develop your students’ phonemic awareness skills. The resource includes task cards with various words, each of which can be segmented into three phonemes. With a collection of graphs and digraphs, students can practise their ability to segment more complex words beyond CVC words. Words included; push, whale, bath, fish, wash, ship, shirt, shark, etc.

Using playdough balls, students can physically manipulate the sounds of words, and improve their ability to identify, isolate and blend individual sounds. Students will start by rolling out playdough balls and placing them on each designated square of the task card. Then, they will segment the word into its constituent sounds, using the playdough balls to represent each sound. As they say each sound, they smash the corresponding playdough ball, providing a multisensory experience that enhances their learning and engagement.

What is a Multisensory Activity?

A multisensory activity is an educational approach that engages more than one sense at a time to facilitate learning and retention of information. In this particular activity seeing and touching are used to help students process information through multiple channels, which can enhance their memory and help to develop phonemic awareness.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. It is also advised to laminate these task cards, as playdough will be squashed on each. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in each corner to place them on a binder ring. 

This resource was created by Samantha Rose, a Teach Starter collaborator.