DIY CVC Word Spinner for Hands-On Learning

DIY CVC Word Spinner for Hands-On Learning

 Teaching kids how to read simple consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words can be a fun and interactive experience with this DIY CVC Word Spinner.

Activities like this, along with resources like the Phonics Loom, are perfect for building strong foundational reading skills through hands-on practice

Perfect for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers, this activity combines creativity with literacy skills, encouraging children to read, write, and decode words. Here’s how to make it and why it’s a great tool for early readers.

What You Need:

  • 2 sturdy paper circles or cardboard circles

  • 1 rectangular piece of cardboard or thick paper

  • A strip of paper for vowels

  • Thumbtack pin

  • Clear tape

  • Marker or pen

  • Scissors

How to Make the Spinner:

  1. Prepare the Circles:

    • Write a variety of beginning sounds (e.g., b, c, d, f, g) around the edge of one circle.

    • On the second circle, write ending sounds (e.g., t, n, p, g, d).

  2. Create the Vowel Strip:

    • Cut a thin strip of paper and write the vowels (a, e, i, o, u) evenly spaced along the strip.

    • Cover the strip with clear tape to make it durable and reusable.

  3. Assemble the Spinner:

    • Make two slits in the center of the rectangular board to insert the vowel strip.

    • Push a thumbtack through the center of both circles and attach them to the main board. Ensure they can spin freely.

    • Insert the vowel strip through the slits so it’s visible between the beginning and ending sounds.

  4. Frame the Word:

    • Use a rectangle cut-out or a marker to create a frame that highlights the three letters (beginning, vowel, ending).

    • Add clear tape to the bottom of the board to make it reusable for practicing writing the words formed.

How to Use the Spinner:

  1. Rotate the beginning and ending sound circles to create different CVC words.

  2. Slide the vowel strip to place the correct vowel in the middle.

  3. Read the word aloud (e.g., bat, cat, dog).

  4. Write each word formed on the clear-taped section to practice handwriting.

  5. Repeat the process to explore as many combinations as possible.

 

Why This Activity Works:

  • Encourages Decoding Skills: Kids learn to sound out words by identifying the beginning, middle, and ending sounds.

  • Hands-On Learning: The interactive element of spinning and sliding engages tactile learners.

  • Boosts Writing Practice: Writing each word reinforces spelling and motor skills.

  • Reusable and Eco-Friendly: The clear tape allows for easy cleaning and repeated use.

  • Builds Confidence: Children gain confidence as they successfully decode and write words.

Extension Ideas:

  • Challenge kids to sort the words into real and nonsense categories.

  • Introduce blends or digraphs for more advanced practice.

  • Use different colored markers for each part of the word to visually separate beginning, middle, and ending sounds.

This DIY CVC Word Spinner is an excellent way to make reading practice fun, interactive, and educational. Plus, it pairs seamlessly with structured phonics resources like the Phonics Loom, providing a comprehensive approach to building foundational reading skills.

Let your little learners explore the magic of phonics and watch their confidence grow with every word they create. Share your spinner creations and let us know how your kids enjoyed this activity!

 

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