Practice Phonemic Awareness Through Segmenting

Use this resource in your reading center, as a guided reading activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice segmenting words into phonemes.

To play, students will identify the picture on the card and say each individual sound they hear. They’ll then write each phoneme in order on the lines underneath the image. Finally, they will blend the phonemes together to say the word.  

Through this activity, students will focus on segmenting CVC words into their initial, middle vowel, and final phonemes while blending onsets and rimes to spell the word on the card.

An answer sheet is provided with this download so that students can self-check their recording sheets.  

Scaffolding and Extension Tips 

Challenge students who already understand the concept to place the CVC words in alphabetical order. They can also produce a rhyming word for the CVC word on the card. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts through guided group practice or reading intervention. Say the word out loud and help students actively listen for each phoneme, identifying the sounds and letters as they hear them. An alphabet display or poster can be used for reference. 

More Ways to Play with Phoneme Segmentation Task Cards

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the playing cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign each student a number to start. Give students an appropriate amount of time to segment the word on the card into its phonemes and write their answer on the recording sheet, and then say, “SCOOT.” At this time, the students will rotate to the next card. Continue in this manner until students have made it through all of the cards. 

☀️ Warm-Up/Exit Game

Display one card at a time on a document camera and provide students with a record sheet, or ask them to number a sheet of paper. Going in order, students work independently or in groups to answer the task cards. 

🗂️ Scavenger Hunt

Hide the task cards around the room when your students are not around. Then, hand each student a recording sheet and set them loose! As soon as they find a card, they segment the word into its phonemes and record their answer in the appropriate box. Students leave the card in the same spot they found it and then find the others. NOTE: You may want to make a rule of only 1 student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy! 🤪

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. 

Keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks: cut out the cards and punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

To turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a teacher in New York and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Wait! We’ve Got More!

Look no further for phonemic awareness activities to beef up your lesson plans! 

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