The EFL Playhouse Games for Young Learners: Letter Hunt

Objective: increase phonemic awareness; correctly identify initial consonant sounds.
Group Size: 4 to 24
Prep Time: > 15 minutes
Playing Time: 5-15 minutes
Interest Level: ages 3 to 12
Ability Level: beginning to intermediate

Materials Needed: collection of flashcards or small objects

Game: Have students form a circle. Place flashcards or objects outside the circle. Teach the following song to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell":

We're looking for a/an [name of letter],
We're looking for a/an [name of letter],
[Sing sound of the letter to the tune of "Heigh, ho, the Derry Oh!"]
We're looking for a/an [name of letter].

After each verse, ask a student to find an object or picture beginning with that sound and place it in the center of the circle. Continue until all objects or pictures have been used.

Note: You might also use this song to teach vowel sounds, final consonant sounds, or blends. For added variety, you might give each student a flashcard instead of placing cards or objects outside circle. When a student's sound is sung, he or she steps into the circle.

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