Building Word Families

Learning Goals: Literacy, Word Families, Rhyming, Mutually-Directed Play

Create labels on Lego blocks for students to build word families using different letters and word families.

Model how to complete this activity in the context of a whole group lesson, then support children in completing the activity through educator-led small groups.

Once children have demonstrated an understanding of this game, they can be invited to play it on their own. The educator can then check in to monitor the child’s progress and to extend their learning.
Lego/Duplo blocks or unifix cubes

Materials for labelling
The educator primarily controlled the play, as they designed, set up, and initiated the play scenario. However, while the educator determined the outcome of this activity (i.e. build word families), the children had a choice in how the activity was completed.

The educator supported children towards completing the activity by helping children to stretch out letter sounds, find corresponding letters, and to assess student learning.

Implementation