Word centers are so important for young students learning to read and write. They allow them to focus on one particular skill or to practice and review what they’ve already learned.
They can do word word centers at any point in the school day and even at home. Working with words in all areas such as rhyming, phonics, etc. will make your students better writers, readers, and spellers. I have more ideas for word work in this previous post.
ideas for fun word centers
Write a Silly Story
This is a word center activity that students really like because they get to make up silly stories!
Have a word list available for students to use. Then they write their silly story using a certain number of the words on the list. You can create more engagement by letting your kids use markers to write their story. Or they can draw a picture which represents something in their story. They’ll love to share these with other later!
You might want to check out these Spin a Story resources to help with silly stories! I have 4 sets of these – each one different and students absolutely love using them!
Use Alphabet Magnets
This is a simple idea, but fun for kids. They love to use manipulatives, so they can have fun without realizing they’re learning! Sneaky!
You’ll need a word list, alphabet magnets, and cookie sheets or some other object that will attract the magnets.
Students simply use the magnets to form the words on their word list by sticking them on the cookie sheet.
Sorting Words
Sorting activities are always a hit. There are so many ways that you could have your students sort words … rhyming words, opposite words, prefixes, suffixes, and the list goes on.
One specific idea is for word endings. Choose some word endings for the category cards. Then write a bunch of words with those endings on cards. You could add cute or funny images on the cards to go along with the word. Then students can sort the words under the correct categories.
This type of word center can be used for a long time. Just change out the categories and words!
Color Sight Words
Beginning readers really need to have a good handle on color words. These words are widely used in story books and children’s literature.
It is therefore important that students learn to recognize them quickly and with confidence. I’ve created a pack containing 10 color words centers – engaging, hands-on activities to practice color matching, color recognition and color words.
Each center includes:
- teacher notes/instructions
- student recording sheets
Some examples of activities that you’ll find in this pack are Clip It Cards, Color by Number, Write the Room, Sentence Shuffle and more.
Do you have a really fun word work center? We’d love to see!
