Pick a Pumpkin Game for Year 1 Phonics Fun!

It’s time to load up those little ones and head for the pumpkin farm! We’re here to help bring some fun into the classroom with a pumpkin patch-themed word family sorting activity.

Word Family Activity Preparation

• Cut out each pumpkin patch and pumpkin cards.
• Based on your student’s needs, place the corresponding set of pumpkin cards and pumpkin patches into a literacy centre, or bring them into a small group setting for individual practise.

For student accountability, we have also included recording sheets for them to complete during their time with this activity. The recording sheet prompt encourages students to spell/write the words as they sort.

Knowing word families is critical when learning to spell or read. By doing this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding that many words can be spelled using the same spelling patterns. The resource is perfect for promoting awareness of common spelling patterns.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Phonics lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts:

🆘 Support Struggling Students

• Complete activities in a small group or one-to-one learning environments.
• Reduce the number of cards required to complete the sorting activity.
• Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, posters, and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

• Students choose two words from each word family to use in a sentence.
• Students write a list of words matching the spelling patterns.

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. We’ve also included black-and-white versions of the files as well.

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a Teach Starter collaborator.