Phonics Learning Puzzles

Many years ago, too many to count, I made these puzzles to use as one of my center activities on the last day before winter break, which I have used ever since. We have a fun day with pizza, pajamas, and lots of fun activities, so these puzzles are perfect. I like that the students have fun, but still continue to learn with a festive twist.

I used a Christmas theme, but these puzzles could, of course, be done using any theme you want. They are super easy to make and very relaxing if you like to color. If you don't like to color or don't have the time then you could always give the job to someone else.

I believe when I made my puzzles I found a website that had Christmas coloring pages and then I just copied them onto cardstock. Sorry, but since it was so long ago, I no longer remember the website. I have also used pages from a coloring book, which are great for other themes such as superheroes and other trendy themes. The drawback is that they are double sided and the paper is much thinner. You could try to copy them, but sometimes the shading of the coloring book paper makes them difficult to photocopy.

After you copy and color your pages then you can write the words that you want to use on them. I recommend sticking to one word family per puzzle and writing the words with one colored marker. This makes it easier to sort the puzzles when the pieces get mixed up.

Once you have finished getting the puzzles ready you can laminate them for durability. Cut the puzzle up any way you want, but don't make the pieces too small. I think mine are about 9 or 10 pieces. You would think that this would be too easy, but since many kids today don't spend much time doing puzzles it can still be a challenge for younger students. As you finish cutting apart each puzzle you can store them in zip-loc bags. Then they are ready for students to use.

Students love to work together on these puzzles and focus on completing them, but it is easy for them to forget to read the words as they are putting the puzzle together and/or when the puzzle is finished. Fortunately, students want to share the puzzle with you, so this is a good time for you to have them read the words to you.

I hope that you enjoy this learning puzzle activity. 

Merry Christmas! Anna

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Christmas Tree Sight Word Swat

I pulled out this large math whiteboard this morning and decided to draw a Christmas tree and turn it into a fun game using sight words that some of my struggling students are still having trouble reading/spelling. It was a bigger hit than I thought.

I drew the tree and added the words. Then I pulled my students' number sticks and had them come up and swat the word that I called out. I had three mini fly swatters, so I actually had three students come up at a time. This was good for supporting students who didn't really know where the word was. I had enough words on the board to give everyone a chance.

After we finished swatting the words I decided to push the activity a little bit further and have students come up and circle a word that I called out. I gave my students a choice of colored markers and told them that we were making Christmas bulbs, even though some of the bulbs wouldn't actually be on the tree. They enjoyed this activity as well.

I had also planned to have students point to the words using a laser pen, but we ran out of time. I plan on doing it tomorrow along with some more swatting.

This was such a fun activity. It is amazing how random ideas can sometimes be some of the best ideas. 

I hope that you are planning some fun Christmas activities for your classroom. Here are some other ideas that you may enjoy. Click on the links to see these blog posts. 

Christmas Phonics Puzzles

Handprint Christma Wreath

Christmas Wreath Art

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Classroom Christmas Tree

One of my favorite things to do for my class before the winter break is to set my classroom up to look like a Christmas tree. My students go absolutely wild over the change in the classroom and it truly adds to the holiday spirit.

I cut a large star out of yellow construction paper and sprinkle it with glitter, which is really the only prep that needs to be done. The rest is just organizing the desks into a Christmas tree formation and then laying out the green and brown paper. The gift bags that I have on each desk makes it look like Christmas decorations on the tree. 

I've done this for several years. I would have shared the idea sooner, but I was never able to get all the desks to fit in the picture. My class size used to be much larger. This year I was able to get it done, at least well enough for you to get the idea.

I do this two other times during the year. I do it at Halloween time when I turn my classroom desks into a large pumpkin. I also do it on Valentine's Day when I use the desks to form one really large heart. I've thought about doing it for St. Patrick's Day, but that is beyond my creative abilities. Anyways, I hope that you like the idea. I guarantee if you try this your students will LOVE  IT!

Merry Christmas!
Anna

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