Identify Phonemes in Words

One of the key components of phonological awareness is the ability to identify the distinct phonemes (sounds) in a word.

This hands-on phonics sorting activity has been designed for this very purpose. The beauty of this resource is that it can be used with any word, whether from a weekly spelling list, a new word from a picture book or even a student’s name!

So how do you play? This resource includes a set of cards, each featuring a phonics-related question. Students choose a word and then read each card, determining whether the question applies to their word. For example, if a student’s word is ‘thread’ and the card asks, “Does the word contain ‘ea’ as in ‘bread’?” they would place the card in the ‘Yes’ pile. If the answer is no, the card goes in the ‘No’ pile.

Some of the phonics-based questions contained in this resource include:

• Does it contain ‘e’ as in ‘elephant’?
• Does it contain ‘ey’ as in ‘key’?
• Does it contain ‘ue’ as in ‘glue’?
• Does it contain ‘oar’ as in ‘board’?
• And many more!

There are over 100 question cards for your students to work through!

Multiple Uses for This Phonics Activity

There are many engaging ways these phonics-based sort cards can be used in your phonics lessons. Here are some ideas from our teacher team:

1. Daily Phonics Warm-Up – Begin your phonics lesson by having students select a spelling word and a small selection of the sort cards. As a class, read the cards and sort them according to the phonemes found in the focus word.
2. Literacy Station – Set up a phonics station where students can work independently or in small groups with the phonics sort cards. Provide a variety of spelling words for students to choose from, allowing them to practise with different phonics patterns.
3. Class Game – Divide the class into two teams. Give each team a set of question cards and a list of spelling words. Teams take turns reading a card and deciding whether the answer is Yes or No for their chosen word. Points are awarded for correct answers, adding a fun, competitive element to the lesson.

Download and Print This Phonics Activity

Use the Download button above to access the easy-print PDF.

It is recommended that you print the resource on cardboard as this will enhance the durability of the resource.Place the cards into a large envelope or ziplock bag, ready to pull out for your next phonics lesson!

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