When it comes to teaching students to read and write, it’s important to start with the basics. One of the key skills that students need to develop is the ability to match words with their corresponding pictures. This skill helps students to understand the connection between written letters and the real world, which is a key building block for reading and writing fluency.

One effective way to teach this skill is by focusing on words with specific letter patterns. In this article, we’ll explore some activities you can use to help students learn to choose words that match pictures based on the “-ss,” “-ll,” “-ff,” “-zz,” and “-ck” spelling patterns.

1. Picture Sort

To help students identify the correct word for a given picture, start by introducing a set of pictures that match a specific spelling pattern. For example, you might choose pictures of a football, a gruffalo, a muffin, and a snail to teach the “-ff” pattern. Then, write a list of words that include the “-ff” pattern, such as muffin, cliff, snuff, and cuff.

To play this game, have students sort the pictures into piles based on which picture matches which word. Encourage them to sound out the word and think about which letter pattern is included in each word to make their choices.

2. Word Scavenger Hunt

For this activity, give students a list of words that include the target spelling pattern and have them use those words to find and identify pictures around the room or in a book or magazine. For example, if the focus is on “-ll” words, students might search for pictures of a hill, a doll, a shell, and a bell.

As students find each picture, they can write the corresponding word next to it. This game will help them to develop literacy skills while also getting up and moving around the classroom.

3. Memory Match

Memory match games are a classic way to help students learn to match words with pictures. To play, create a deck of cards that include pictures of items that match the target spelling pattern and the appropriate words written on a separate card.

For example, you could create a deck with pictures of a dress, a mess, a kiss, and a grasshopper, along with corresponding word cards. Students then play memory match by flipping over two cards at a time, attempting to make a match between the picture and the appropriate word.

4. Write the Word

Another way to teach students to match words with pictures is to have them practice writing the words themselves. For this activity, pair students with a partner and give each pair a set of pictures that match the target spelling pattern.

One partner then reads a word aloud and the other partner must select the correct picture to match that word. Once the correct picture has been identified, the student must write the word next to the picture.

5. Word Bingo

Finally, you can play word bingo to help students practice matching words with pictures. Create bingo cards that include pictures of items that match the target spelling pattern and print out a list of corresponding words.

For example, you might have a bingo card with pictures of a bus, a dress, a dress, and a grasshopper, all of which feature the “-ss” spelling pattern. The list of words might include words such as dress, kiss, miss, and grass.

Students can play bingo by marking off the pictures that match the called word as they hear them.

Teaching students to match words with pictures is an essential literacy skill that can help them build a foundation for reading and writing. Using word-based activities like the ones outlined above can help your students to practice this skill in a fun and engaging way.