Phonics Games for the Classroom: 10 Teacher-Approved Activities

Learning to read shouldn’t feel like a chore. When children associate reading with enjoyment, they’re more likely to develop into lifelong readers who approach books with enthusiasm rather than dread. This is where phonics games enter the picture, transforming what could be mundane letter-sound practice into engaging, memorable learning experiences that children eagerly anticipate.

Research consistently shows that playful learning environments enhance knowledge retention. The magic happens when children are so engrossed in play that they don’t realize they’re cementing critical literacy skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

The Science Behind Gamified Phonics Learning

The effectiveness of games in phonics instruction isn’t just anecdotal—it’s rooted in cognitive science. When children play games, their brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This creates a positive learning environment where children are more receptive to new information and more likely to persist through challenges.

Educational research has consistently demonstrated that gamified learning creates multiple neural pathways in the brain. When students engage with phonemic concepts through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, they develop stronger connections and better retention. This multi-sensory approach is particularly beneficial for struggling readers who need diverse ways to process information.

Games also support differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to address various learning needs simultaneously. While playing in small groups, children who need additional support can receive it without feeling singled out, while advanced students can be challenged with more complex variations of the same game.

Top 10 Phonics Games That Actually Work

1. Sound Hopscotch

Transform your classroom floor into a phonics learning station with Sound Hopscotch. Draw or tape a traditional hopscotch grid, but instead of numbers, write target letters, digraphs, or blends in each square. As children hop, they must pronounce the sound represented in each square. For advanced learners, have them generate a word using that sound before hopping to the next square.

Materials needed: Chalk, masking tape, or printed letters laminated for durability 

Skills addressed: Letter-sound correspondence, phoneme isolation 

Adaptation for struggling readers: Start with just five squares using highly distinguishable sounds

2. Phoneme Fishing

Fill a small kiddie pool or box with magnetic letters and provide children with fishing rods made from dowels, string, and magnets. Call out specific sounds, and children must “fish” for the corresponding letters. For added challenge, call out words and have students fish for all the letters needed to spell them.

Materials needed: Magnetic letters, homemade fishing rods, container 

Skills addressed: Letter-sound correspondence, phoneme segmentation 

Group size: 3-4 students

3. Blend Card Relay

Divide students into teams and place letter cards at one end of the room. Call out a word, and one student from each team runs to select the letters needed to spell it, bringing them back one at a time. The first team to correctly blend and read the assembled word wins the round.

Materials needed: Letter cards (preferably large format) 

Skills addressed: Blending, letter-sound correspondence, teamwork 

Best for grades: K-2

4. Sound Sorting Treasure Hunt

Hide objects or picture cards around the classroom. Children search for items, then sort them into containers labeled with different beginning sounds, vowel patterns, or rhyme, depending on your instructional focus.

Materials needed: Small objects or picture cards, labeled containers 

Skills addressed: Phoneme categorization, initial/medial/final sound identification 

Adaptation: For advanced students, use multiple phonemic features for sorting

5. Phonics Bingo

Create bingo cards with target phonics patterns instead of numbers. Call out words that contain these patterns, and students mark the corresponding square. The first to complete a row wins. This classic game can be easily adapted for different phonics skills.

Materials needed: Custom bingo cards, markers 

Skills addressed: Pattern recognition, phoneme identification 

Versatility: Can focus on blends, digraphs, vowel patterns, or syllable types

6. Sound Swap

Students sit in a circle, each holding a letter card. The teacher reads a word, and students with the relevant letters must arrange themselves to spell it. Then call out a new word that can be made by changing just one letter, and students must rearrange accordingly. For example, “cat” to “hat” to “hit” to “hip.”

Materials needed: Large letter cards 

Skills addressed: Phoneme manipulation, spelling patterns 

Group size: 6-10 students

7. Nonsense Word Challenge

Create cards with decodable nonsense words. Students take turns drawing cards and reading the made-up words using their phonics knowledge. Award points for accurate decoding, with bonus points for creating a silly definition or using the nonsense word in a sentence.

Materials needed: Nonsense word cards 

Skills addressed: Decoding, phoneme blending 

Why it works: Nonsense words prevent reliance on memorization and ensure students are truly applying phonics skills

8. Phonics Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of phonics features (e.g., “something with a short ‘a’ sound” or “something with the ‘sh’ digraph”). Students explore the classroom or school to find and document items that match each criterion, either by writing them down or taking photos if devices are available.

Materials needed: Scavenger hunt lists, writing materials or devices 

Skills addressed: Real-world application of phonics knowledge, phoneme identification 

Extension: Can be sent home as a family engagement activity

9. Sound Slap

Place letter cards or phonics pattern cards on a table. Call out a sound or word containing a target pattern, and students race to slap the corresponding card. The first to correctly identify the phonics element keeps the card, with the goal of collecting the most cards.

Materials needed: Letter or phonics pattern cards 

Skills addressed: Quick phonics recognition, auditory processing 

Small group size: 2-4 students

10. Phonics Board Games

Adapt classic board games like Candyland or Chutes and Ladders with phonics challenges. To move spaces, students must read words, identify sounds, or complete phonics tasks appropriate to their level. Commercial options exist, but teacher-created versions can be perfectly tailored to your classroom’s current focus.

Materials needed: Adapted board game, challenge cards 

Skills addressed: Various phonics skills depending on design 

Flexibility: Easily adaptable for different skill levels and phonics elements

Implement Games Effectively in Your Phonics Curriculum

While phonics games are unquestionably valuable, they’re most effective when thoughtfully integrated into a comprehensive literacy program. The Science of Reading reminds us that systematic, explicit phonics instruction forms the backbone of effective reading education. Games should enhance—not replace—this structured approach.

Consider using games at strategic points in your instructional sequence: as engaging warm-ups to introduce new concepts, as practice activities to reinforce recently taught skills, or as assessment tools to gauge understanding in a low-pressure environment.

When selecting games, ensure alignment with your current instructional focus. If you’re teaching short vowel sounds, prioritize games that specifically target this skill. This intentional alignment strengthens the connection between explicit instruction and playful practice.

Also, consider the grouping implications of different games. Some activities work best with partners, small groups, or whole-class participation. Strategic grouping can address specific learning needs—pairing struggling readers with supportive peers or creating homogeneous skill groups for targeted practice.

Differentiating Phonics Games for All Learners

One of the greatest strengths of game-based learning is its adaptability for diverse learning needs. With thoughtful modifications, the same basic game structure can challenge advanced readers while supporting those still mastering foundational skills.

For struggling readers, consider these adaptations:

  • Reduce the number of phonics elements addressed in each game session
  • Provide visual supports, such as sound-spelling cards, for reference
  • Allow more processing time by adjusting game pacing
  • Use larger print and high-contrast materials for visual clarity
  • Pre-teach key concepts before game play

For advanced readers:

  • Introduce more complex phonics patterns or multisyllabic words
  • Add time constraints to build automaticity
  • Include writing components alongside reading activities
  • Challenge students to generate their own examples
  • Incorporate unfamiliar words to push vocabulary development

English language learners benefit from games that:

  • Include visual representations alongside text
  • Explicitly connect to vocabulary development
  • Provide opportunities to hear correct pronunciation
  • Allow for choral responses before individual turns
  • Incorporate physical movement to reinforce meaning

How to Know Your Phonics Games Are Working

While the smiles and engagement during game time provide immediate feedback, intentional assessment helps ensure these activities are driving actual learning outcomes. The most effective teachers regularly gather data on student progress, using both formal and informal measures.

Before implementing new phonics games, establish baseline performance on target skills. This might involve quick checks of letter-sound knowledge, nonsense word reading fluency, or application of specific phonics patterns in writing. After several weeks of incorporating games targeting these skills, reassess to measure growth.

Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) offer research-validated tools for monitoring phonics progress. These brief assessments can be administered periodically to track improvement in areas like phoneme segmentation fluency and nonsense word fluency—both critical indicators of phonics mastery.

Beyond formal assessments, observe students during game play. 

  • Are they applying the target skill correctly? 
  • Do they show increasing confidence and speed? 
  • Are they beginning to self-correct errors? 

These observations provide valuable information about the effectiveness of your game-based instruction.

Parent feedback can also reveal the impact of your phonics games. When children spontaneously point out phonics patterns in environmental print or eagerly practice reading at home, you’re seeing evidence that your classroom games are fostering a transfer of skills to 

Make Phonics Games Part of Your Teaching Toolkit

The most successful implementation of phonics games happens when they become an integrated, expected part of your literacy instruction rather than occasional “special” activities. Consider establishing a predictable routine for game-based practice, perhaps during small group rotations or as a whole-class activity to start or end the literacy block.

Create a designated area in your classroom for phonics games, with materials organized and accessible. This might be a shelf labeled “Phonics Fun” or activity bins coded by skill. When students can independently access appropriate games during choice time or center rotations, you’re fostering both literacy skills and student autonomy.

Document your most successful games in a teaching journal, noting specific adaptations that worked well for different students. This reflective practice helps refine your approach over time and builds a personalized resource you can share with colleagues or refer to in subsequent years.

Remember that while the games themselves are important, your enthusiasm and engagement as the teacher significantly impact their effectiveness. When you model enjoyment of phonics activities, students are more likely to develop positive associations with reading instruction.

Game On for Reading Success

The research is clear: when children enjoy learning, they learn better. Phonics games transform potentially dry skill practice into engaging experiences that children eagerly anticipate. By thoughtfully selecting and implementing these activities, you’re not just teaching letter-sound correspondence—you’re fostering a love of language that can last a lifetime.

As you incorporate these games into your classroom, remember that the goal extends beyond phonics mastery to developing confident, enthusiastic readers. The laughter during Sound Hopscotch and the focused concentration during Phonics Bingo are stepping stones toward this larger aim.

For more creative, evidence-based literacy activities and the latest research on effective phonics instruction, regularly visit Phonics.org. Our team is committed to supporting your teaching journey with practical tools and trusted information that help all children become successful readers.

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen App Review

Cookie-Cutter Phonics Fun with Elmo and Cookie Monster

Are you looking for quality literacy apps for your child or student? The quality of educational apps can vary drastically. Check out our library of phonics reviews at phonics.org to see which literacy app is right for you. 

Read on to see if the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app is a good fit for you and your child!

What is Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen?

Sesame Street has become a learning staple for young children in many households since 1969, making it the longest-running children’s show in American TV history. The original intent of the show was to prepare disadvantaged children for school through television programming. Over the years, Sesame Street has evolved and developed its programs and characters.

The Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app was released in 2015. This app builds on the Sesame Street legacy by continuing to encourage children to learn and grow. The app focuses on these key educational goals:

  • Letter Identification
  • Letter Sounds
  • Decoding (blending sounds to read words) 
  • Vocabulary Building
  • Kindness and sharing

Overall, the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen aims to provide an engaging platform for young children to learn to read simple words. 

Is Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen Easy to Use?

These factors influence the usability of the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen App. 

Navigation

Navigating the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app is simple and straightforward. Once the app is purchased, getting started is a breeze. The app offers an initial choice between making cookies with Chef Elmo or Chef Cookie Monster. Players can easily switch between these options at any time, making the experience both flexible and engaging. 

A notable limitation, however, is the absence of user profiles. This would be a beneficial feature, allowing different players to personalize their learning experiences on one device. 

Gameplay

The gameplay in Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen is designed to be intuitive and accessible, with directions that are easy for young children to understand. While the app does not offer an option to repeat directions on demand, they are repeated frequently while playing the game.

The app presents two main options for making cookies. Elmo’s game focuses on creating and decorating short vowel cookies (a, e, i, o, and u). Meanwhile, Cookie Monster’s game emphasizes building and reading phonetically simple words. Both modes are designed to be engaging and manageable for young learners, allowing them to play independently and gain confidence in their literacy learning.

App Settings 

The settings in Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen are simple. Parents and teachers have the option to toggle on or off sound effects and character voices. However, the ability to turn off character voices is somewhat puzzling, given that the game relies heavily on the characters’ guidance to make the gameplay understandable and engaging.

Another notable limitation is the lack of customization options for selecting specific letters or word patterns to focus on. Adding this feature would allow for a more tailored learning experience. 

How Engaging is Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen?

These factors influence learner engagement in the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app

Engaging Characters

Elmo and Cookie Monster play a significant role in making the app appealing to both children and adults. These beloved and well-known figures bring a sense of familiarity and warmth that enhances the overall experience. Their presence helps maintain players’ interest throughout the various literacy-building tasks.

Chef Cookie Monster and Chef Elmo

Rewards

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen keeps children engaged through its entertaining gameplay, making extra rewards unnecessary. The app includes a fun feature where kids can decorate alphabet cookies. Cookie decorating offers a creative outlet that adds to the enjoyment in the game. This focus on interactive play and creativity ensures that the experience remains rewarding and captivating without relying on external incentives.

Cookie decorating options are fun 

Active and Passive Participation

Creative aspects of the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app encourage active participation. For example, cookie decorating or choosing who to share the cookies with requires learners to actively make choices and interact with the app. 

However, some of the more educational aspects of the app are more passive. For instance, children listen to Cookie Monster model how to sound out a word and share its meaning, but don’t actually need to try and sound out a word themselves. Adding more opportunities for children to actively practice sound blending would enhance this aspect of the app and provide a more engaging learning experience.

Literacy Learning With Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen

Does the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app help children on their early literacy journeys? Let’s consider some of the instructional methods within the app. 

Learning About Letters and Sounds

The letter sounds in the app are generally accurate. However, Cookie Monster’s deep monster voice may not be the ideal choice to introduce proper letter sound pronunciation to children. 

The app focuses on using lowercase letters which is another clever choice as these letters are common. Elmo’s role in teaching short vowel sounds is also strategically important. Mastering short vowel sounds is a fundamental and challenging step in learning to read and spell. 

However, the execution of Chef Elmo’s vowel lessons could be improved. Currently, when a child taps on a vowel cookie cutter, Elmo often provides the letter name and sometimes a word associated with the letter, but he does not articulate the letter sound itself. Direct and explicit instruction in letter sounds is highly recommended by literacy experts, and Elmo’s approach would benefit from more frequent and explicit pronunciation of the actual vowel sounds. 

Letter formation or printing of letters is not a goal of the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen app. However, accurate printing could easily have been incorporated in the cookie decorating to build this skill. 

Direct instruction of short vowel sounds is missing in Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen

Sequential Learning

Phonics experts often recommend teaching phonics skills in a specific, structured order to build a solid foundation. The app assumes that children are already familiar with consonant sounds. It does not seem to follow a particular sequence for introducing these sounds. A more clear progression of skills or options to choose the letter sounds and words practiced would be beneficial. 

Phonemic Awareness 

Chef Cookie Monster’s game involves placing an initial and final consonant cookie letter in a word and letting the player choose the vowel. Once the vowel is chosen, Cookie Monster says all of the sounds in the word, blends these sounds together, and states the word it represents. 

Changing one letter at a time in word building instruction is called chaining. Chaining is an efficient method for building word-reading and spelling skills. This approach also demonstrates final blending, an important skill for decoding words. However, while the modeling is valuable, the learning experience would be enhanced if children were also encouraged to actively participate in blending the sounds themselves. 

Cookie Monster models how to sound out (decode) a word

Phonics Instruction

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen utilizes synthetic phonics, a method where individual sounds are combined to read and build words. This approach is supported by research as one of the most efficient ways to learn reading and spelling, making it an excellent choice for the app. By focusing on blending individual sounds together, the app helps children develop crucial phonics skills that are foundational for reading proficiency.

Vocabulary Development

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen effectively supports vocabulary development through its creative gameplay. After children create dough letters, these are mixed in a bowl to form a new cookie that represents the meaning of a word. Chef Cookie Monster then uses this word in a sentence, which reinforces vocabulary learning and helps children understand new terms in context. 

Additionally, the app occasionally allows learners to create “nonwords” with the chosen vowels. Cookie Monster appropriately sounds out these nonwords and explains that they aren’t real words, encouraging children to try again with choosing a different vowel. 

Building vocabulary by introducing novel words with images and context 

Is the Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen App Helpful for Kids?

Overall, Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen harnesses the well-known and widely-adored Elmo and Cookie Monster to capture the attention of young learners. The app is generally well-designed, organized, and engaging for young players. The app could benefit from some additional settings and features like the ability to choose which letters and types of words to focus on in the games.

This app is not intended to be a comprehensive literacy program. This app could be helpful for children who already know most of their letter sounds, including short vowels and need practice in blending simple sounds together to read words. The app does a good job of building vocabulary and modeling how to blend sounds together to read simple words. However, the app could improve with Elmo’s short vowel letter sound instruction and encourage more active participation in word reading. 

If you’re looking for more expert reviews on reading apps, check out phonics.org where literacy experts share their honest opinions of today’s popular programs!

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen: Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 3.5 / 5

Usability:  4 / 5

Engagement: 4 / 5