Middle sounds in a word can be tricky for your students. Many of the short vowels often get confused, like /e/ and /i/. It is hard to really teach how to stretch out the word slowly to hear that middle sound. You can read more on how to isolate and identify the short vowel middle sound in a CVC word here. Today, I am sharing 3 activities you can use to practice identifying the middle sound. 

I Spy Middle Sounds

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

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

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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