I've printed mine on colored copy paper just to make them pop a little bit more. And let's be real. Everything is just a little more interesting in color. Bright colors, preferably. And you will not believe how much fun my firsties have with a simple strip of laminated colored paper and a clothespin. Totally motivating!
Not only are they super easy and quick to make, but they are super easy and quick to implement with just about anything. You can use them in a multitude of ways- one-on-one, small group, whole group, small group games or whole group games.
Here's one way to play. Each child has a laminated strip of vowels and a clothespin. {I have a full class set already printed, laminated, and with a clothespin on it.} I say a CVC word like "dog". The kiddos listen to the word and then put their clothespin on the vowel they hear in the CVC word. You can also do it with CVCe words. What is really amazing about this is that you have an instant informal assessment for each child when they hold up their strips and you can quickly check to see who is "getting it". You could also do this whole group as a game by splitting your class into two groups and have them race to move the clip to the correct vowel sound first. Or if you're in table groups or want more kids active and involved with the game at a time, you could also do it that way.
I always have a set of 5 or 6 behind my little easel at my guided reading table. The rest of them are stored in a nearby container.
Hopefully you will be able to find this useful in your classroom also. To download this freebie simply click here to go to my store to download it. If you're not already a follower, I would love that!
