Play the Rounds of Sounds Game

What You Need:

• Nothing — just a kid who's learning phonics

What You Do:

1. Remember that old chant, “Concentration!” (snap, snap) “Are you ready?” (snap, snap), “If so…” (snap, snap), Let’s go!” (snap, snap)… This game has a major educational component—it works on beginning sounds, but kids love to play it. Why? Giving games rhythm makes them more fun, not to mention, challenging.
2. In the game Rounds of Sounds, you’ll clap your hands, snap your fingers, or slap your knees to a slow beat. Then, after you’ve set your rhythm, say these words: I’m thinking of the ______sound/Now let’s try a round/Ready/Set/Go!
3. You can substitute any blend into the rhyme, whether it be sh, oa, ing, ee, or fr. It’s your pick! Let’s say you chose the sh sound. First, you’d explain to your child that you’re going to go back and forth coming up with sh words. The sh can be any part of the word, beginning, middle, or end. So words like brush, mushy, and shut are all possibilities.
4. Set your rhythm, and try it. Here’s how a sh round might sound:

I’m thinking of the SH sound/Now let’s try a round./Ready, Set, Go!

PARENT:Shut!

(Wait about 4 beats and then point to your child)

CHILD: Shout!

(Wait 4 beats)

PARENT: Shin!

(Wait 4 beats)

CHILD: Shampoo!

(Wait 4 beats)

PARENT: Bush!

(Wait 4 beats)

CHILD: Bash!

(Wait 4 beats)

PARENT: Pushy!

(Wait 4 beats)

CHILD: Mushy!

(Wait 4 beats)

5. Keep going with other sounds. You can pick anything you’d like to play this game. Just make sure you set a slow, steady beat when you start, especially when introducing a new sound. Take this game outside, to a party, or on the road. No supplies needed—just your own two hands, and a child that’s game!