Teaching EW, UI, and UE Words with Phonics Centers and Interventions

Teaching EW, UI, and UE Words with Phonics Centers and Interventions

Hey, y'all! We have been loving using our phonics centers in the classroom, and the growth I'm seeing with my students is incredible! This week, we're working on /ew/ spelling patterns with "ew," "ui," and "ue" words. These can get tricky, but our phonics centers have helped my students a TON.

Over the last few years, I was getting so frustrated with our phonics curriculum because we would learn a new spelling pattern, but there would be no hands-on practice reading these words outside of the whole class lesson. Students can't become independent as readers without independent practice. I mean, we do it in math all the time--we teach how to add, then students practice it. But there weren't any targeted reading skills practice that matched what we were learning. So phonics centers were born. 

 

When teaching the /ew/ spelling patterns, "ew" is usually found in one syllable words like "flew" and "crew." Words with "ue" tend to be two syllables, like in "argue" and "rescue." "Ui" is typically found in the middle of a syllable, like in "fruit" and "juice." These rules are not fool proof, but they do help our students start to notice patterns. 

 

In our classroom, we learn the new spelling pattern as a whole group. Then, we break off into four reading groups. My students rotate between stations: teacher table, read to self, computers, and phonics centers. I add the centers that match our new spelling pattern to our center mix each week. I'll leave previous weeks' centers for a little while so students can continue to practice with them. 

 

With this set, students have the hidden picture games, ABC order puzzles, spin and write games, Bump games, and read and write cards as part of their center choices. I am keeping the roll and read games and matching cards for small group instruction and assessment. I also hold onto the Scoot game until the end of the week to use as an assessment or for quiz-quiz-trade during morning meeting. It's such a fun way to review what we've learned so far!

 

You can check out this entire unit in my TPT store here. It's also part of a larger growing bundle of phonics centers designed to last you all school year. You can check out the bundle here. While you're there, be sure to follow me on TPT. I'm always adding something new and you won't want to miss it!

 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope this helps make your phonics centers more engaging and productive. Have a wonderful week and I'll talk to you soon!

Stay cozy,