Magnetic Word Families

Students use magnetic letters to build and explore word families (e.g., -at, -an, -ig). They replace the initial letter or letters to create new words, blending the sounds to read each word aloud. Students identify which combinations make real words. 

• Select word families that align with students’ current letter-sound knowledge. 
• Observe students to determine when support or extension may be needed. 
• Prompt students to name letters and produce their corresponding sounds. 
• Model how to blend sounds together to read each word. 
• Encourage students to identify whether a word is a real word or a nonsense word. 
• Extend learning by inviting students to record real words on a word list as they continue exploring different letter combinations. 
• Extend learning by inviting students to use newly created words in oral sentences or write them in a simple sentence.

• Magnetic letters 
• Magnetic board, cookie sheet, or other magnetic surface 
• Word family cards or mats (e.g., -at, -an, -ig) 
• Paper and writing tools for recording words (optional)