The ability to break words into phonemes and manipulate them in new and exciting ways is advantageous for any reader. It’s this phonological awareness that gives students an edge as they learn and spell new words.    

In this phoneme addition game, students will create new words by adding a sound to the picture on the card and find the matching words on the game board to connect four in a row.

Adding Phonemes to Make New Words

This resource can be used as a reading center activity or with your guided reading group to practice creating new words by adding sounds.

Provide players with a set of manipulatives (counters, mini erasers, cubes, bears). Choose a card and add the phoneme to the word in the picture to identify the new word. Find the updated word on the game board and cover it up. Connect four squares in a row to win! When the cards run out, mix them up and start again.

More Phoneme Addition Activities + Scaffolding and Extension Tips

This resource can be used for individualized practice, especially if you’ve got fast finishers. You can also use this game to create additional learning opportunities like group activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more. 

Invite students to use a letter sound visual reminder, like an alphabet display or anchor chart.

Alphabetical Ordering

After students finish the game, challenge them to put the cards in alphabetical order based on the new words they create. 

Rhyme Time

Using the game board, have students write 1-2 more words (not already on the board) that rhyme with the word. 

Scoot Activity

Place all 28 phoneme cards around the room. Ask students to stand up with a blank sheet of paper numbered 1-28 to use as a recording sheet. Assign one card to each student (or pair) to start, having them rotate through each card to write the new word on their recording sheet. 

Note: We suggest printing a second set of cards for this activity that you can number.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

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

Before You Download

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

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

We’ve got more phoneme addition activities to help you practice this skill with your students! Check these out while you’re here:  

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Phoneme Addition Match-Up Activity

Create new words by adding initial phonemes through 32 match-up cards.

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Break It Up! 4-Phoneme Word Segmentation Task Cards

Practice breaking down words with 4 phonemes into their sounds with this set of 18 task cards.