Teaching middle sounds in words can be a challenge for your students, especially when it comes to distinguishing short vowel sounds like /e/ and /i/. Stretching out a word slowly to isolate and identify that tricky middle sound takes practice and the right strategies. If you're looking for ways to help your students master this skill, you're in the right place! In this post, Iβll share three engaging activities designed to help your students practice identifying the middle sounds in words, particularly in CVC words.
I Spy Middle Sounds Game
This activity can be played either around the classroom or with a pocket chart, or on a table. All you need are some pictures with short vowel sounds. I like to use pictures from these phonics picture sorts to do this activity. First, you will put all the pictures in a pocket chart, all scrambled up. Next, you will say “I Spy with my little eye, something that has the short vowel _ sound.” Have a student come up and point to a picture with that short vowel sound that you said. You can do this as a small group activity on a table, or even hang up pictures around the classroom to find.
Middle Sounds Cut and Paste Picture Sort Worksheet
Using scissors daily is a great way to build those fine motor skills. Picture sorts are a great way to isolate the middle sound of a word and sort by sound. Combining the two you get a cut and paste picture sort! First, students will cut out all the pictures. Then, they will place them under the middle sound. I always suggest that they sort ALL the pictures first, then glue each one. If there is enough time they can color it as well.
Middle Sound Spin and Cover Activity
This is hands down my students' FAVORITE center activity because they get to use a spinner and mini erasers! It can work as an independent activity or be used as a game with a partner. First, they will spin the spinner (you can use a paperclip and pencil to spin) and land on a short vowel. Looking at the pictures, they will find one with the same middle sound and cover it with a mini eraser. Then, they will add a tally to the bottom to mark how many words have each short vowel sound.
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Practice Short Vowels and Identifying Middle Sounds in Words
Practicing middle sounds in words is a crucial step in developing strong phonemic awareness and early reading skills. The three activities shared here are simple, effective, and engaging, making it easier for students to identify those tricky vowel sounds. Whether you're working with small groups or your entire class, these strategies can help your students build confidence and accuracy in recognizing middle sounds in words.
These activities highlighted in this blog post, along with 5 weeks of additional engaging lessons and hands-on activities, are part of the Short Vowels and Middle Sounds Unit from my Kindergarten Phonics Curriculum. This all-in-one resource is designed to simplify your phonics instruction while helping your students master middle sounds in words and short vowel recognition. With everything planned for you, it's a time-saving, effective solution for your classroom. Click here to grab your copy today and see the difference it can make!
Looking for more Tips on How to Teach Middle Sounds?
If you are looking for more tips on how to teach short vowels and middle sounds, make sure to check out these posts here: How to Teach Short Vowels to Read and Spell CVC Words and How to Teach Middle Sounds Substitution.
