Car Game that Teaches Reading Skills

Kids love to talk in the car. The car is a great time to connect with your little ones, but it can also be a chance to play a game that boosts reading readiness.

Secret Word

Level: Pre Reader (you can start as soon as they start talking!)

Skill: blending sounds

How to Play:

Level 1:

Start with a word they know well. (ie. their name, mom, dad, etc.)

Break the first sound off of the word and just say that sound. Wait a second, then say the rest of the word.

If I was going to play with Sam, I’d start with his name, so I would say,

“I have a secret word! See if you can guess it!

Ssss… am.”

Sam would say, “Sam!”

If Sam wasn’t sure what my word was, I’d say it with a smaller and smaller space until he got it. Then I’d pick a new familiar name.

Level 2:

Once your child has mastered blending the beginning sound to the end of the word, they are ready for level 2!

Pick a word that they did in level 1. Start with a word that is only 3 sounds long. (Mom, dad, etc.)

Then break it apart into its sounds and slowly smoosh it back together until they can pick out the word.

For example:

If I was going to play with Sam, I’d start with his name, so I would say,

“I have a secret word! See if you can guess it!

 Ssss… a… m….”

Sam would say, “Sam!”

If Sam wasn’t sure what my word was, I’d say it with shorter and shorter spaces between the wounds,