Budding readers will come across specific blends as they practice decoding words. For example, they’ll see combinations like:

• Sk, as in skate
• Sl, as in slug
• Sm, as in smart
• Sn, as in snake
• Sp, as in spill
• St, as in stamp
• Sw, as in swamp

Like all blends, s-blend words make up much of our vocabulary. That’s why we created a game that brings these words to the forefront of your students’ phonological awareness practice.  

In our S Blends Dominoes game, students will look at the picture or s-blend on a card and connect it to its match. 

Practice Reading Initial S Blend Words

This resource can be used as a reading center activity, with your guided reading group, or as a whole class activity to practice decoding and spelling words with S consonant blends. 

To play, shuffle the domino cards and divide them equally among players. One player lays a domino down the middle of the playing area. Students take turns matching each end of the dominoes with the words and pictures that fit the sequence.

For example, if a player were to lay down the “sn |🍝 ” domino, the next player could then lay the “sp | 🐍” domino on the left because “snake” starts with the /s-blend/ “sn,” or they could lay the same domino on the right because “spaghetti” begins with the /s-blend/ “sp.” Gameplay continues in this manner until someone lays down their last domino, making them the winner.

More Activities with Initial S Blend Words + Scaffolding and Extension Tips

In addition to multiplayer gameplay, this resource can also be used for individualized practice, especially if you’ve got fast finishers! 

Plus, you’ll find that this game can be customized to create full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more. 

Invite students to use a visual reminder, like an anchor chart or an alphabet display, to sound out words they struggle to read. 

🤷 Odd Man Out

Place three cards at each station, making sure two cards create a blend, and the 3rd card is different. Student pairs will rotate through each station and identify the blend, writing their answers on a separate sheet of paper. 

🔗 S Blends Chain (Scoot Activity)

Provide each student in your class with a domino. Challenge the students to find both of their other halves, creating one long chain of dominoes. For an extra challenge, ask the students to complete the task in silence!

🔔 Bell Ringer Activity

Leave the cards in a pile, and instruct students to grab one as soon as they enter the classroom. On a piece of paper, have students write the /s-blend/ words for each side of the domino—words can start or end with either side of the piece. 

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies to Try Today! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the task cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

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

We’ve got s-blend resources galore! Check out a few of our favorite student-approved activities below:

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Classroom Spinner Template - Blends

A classroom spinner template focusing on blends.

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BUMP! S Blends - Board Game

A board game to practice decoding words with an initial s blend.

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FIND IT! S Blends Board Game

Practice decoding and spelling words with this board game that focuses on S consonant blends.