Dictation is a powerful tool for reinforcing important phonics, spelling, and vocabulary skills. Despite these benefits, it can often feel repetitive and boring for students. Using interactive phonics games for dictation practice can make learning engaging and effective instead of dreadful. Read on and easily implement these top 5 phonics games for dictation practice that your students will truly enjoy!
Dictation is the process of writing down what someone else said. In early elementary years, it likely involves you (the teacher!) reading a word or phrase aloud and students writing it down. It allows students to practice recently learned phonics skills as they write down sounds or sound patterns they hear spoken.
Other benefits of dictation:
Phonics games are the perfect solution to making dictation practice memorable and fun!
We all know students pay better attention and are more excited to learn when participating in hands-on, active learning methods like games (research by S.Y. Cheung and K.Y. Ng in 2021 supports this too!)
Using games in instruction also incorporates multisensory learning, allowing you to cater to the different learning styles in your classroom. They also help reinforce important concepts as they repeatedly practice.
Games can also be versatile! Choose specific games that can be used to target various skills. That way, you only have to teach the game once, but you and your students can play it again and again!
“Who Will Get the Last Word?” is a super versatile game that can be used for spelling, vocabulary, sight words, or even math! It is easy to prep and keeps students engaged.
Next up is “Guess and Groove”. This movement game will quickly become one of your students’ favorites! Guess and Groove is a whole-class activity where EVERYONE WINS!
“Run and Write” is the perfect phonics game for dictation practice because it involves lots of movement. It’s perfect to play when your students have extra wiggles or when transitioning from a sedentary portion of your day.
Next up is “Word Wigglers”. This game combines word ladders with whole-body movement for lots of fun and dictation practice for your students. It’s super low-prep for you as well!
The final phonics game for dictation practice is “Decoding Hopscotch”. Just like traditional hopscotch, this game includes lots of hopping.
Adding phonics games for dictation practice can make a significant difference in student engagement and learning outcomes! Choosing versatile activities like these can streamline your teaching while creating a positive learning environment where students love to be. Give these 5 games a shot this year, and watch your students’ skills soar!
Cheung, S. Y., & Ng, K. Y. (2021). Application of the Educational Game to Enhance Student Learning. Frontiers in Education, 6, 623793. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.623793
I’m a teacher who believes in creating a classroom kids love and activities that keep them engaged all day!
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3 Responses
My kids BEG to play this every day!! Thank you for sharing this!
I am an online teacher and I guess this is the perfect idea haha thank you!
-Jane@snaptubeapp
my son really loves to play this game.
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