Level 3: Mystery Trip
Sequence of Sound
Level 3 Activities focus on the sequence of sounds in a word. Attention is directed to specific positions of sounds within a word. This is the foundational base for segmenting sounds independently. When recognition of beginning, ending, and middle sounds is acquired, emergent readers are better equipped to isolate sounds and hear them separately.
Early Literacy Foundational Skills
Sounds (Phonemes) Isolation
listen & detect individual sounds at the beginning of a word
listen & detect individual sounds at the ending of a word
listen & detect individual sounds in the middle of a word
Mystery Trip
GOALS: sound (phoneme) isolation & matching
Materials
Special Suitcase
Various objects correlating with a specific Focus Sound
Directions for New Players:
Secretly select a specific Focus Sound, such as the beginning sound of /c/.
Explain to the child(ren) that they are packing a suitcase for a special trip, and only the objects that begin with the “secret” Focus Sound will fit in the suitcase.
Begin to place objects in the suitcase, all which fit the “secret” Focus Sound, such as cat, carrot, and cupcake. As each object is placed in the suitcase, say the name of the object (or have the child say the name of the object).
Invite the child(ren) to think of the “secret” Focus Sound, but to keep it a secret. As each object is placed in, ask them if the object begins with the “secret” Focus Sound they are thinking of.
When all objects are placed in the suitcase, ask the child(ren) what they think the “secret” Focus Sound is.
Repeat this game with other “secret” Focus Sounds.
Directions for Established Players:
Secretly select a specific Focus Sound, such as the ending sound of /t/.
Explain to the child(ren) that they are packing a suitcase for a special trip, and only the objects that end with the “secret” Focus Sound will fit in the suitcase.
Begin to place objects in the suitcase, all which fit the “secret” Focus Sound, such as cat, boat, and nut. As each object is placed in the suitcase, say the name of the object (or have the child say the name of the object).
Invite the child(ren) to think of the “secret” Focus Sound, but to keep it a secret. As each object is placed in, ask them if the object ends with the “secret” Focus Sound they are thinking of.
When all objects are placed in the suitcase, ask the child(ren) what they think the “secret” Focus Sound is.
Repeat this game with other “secret” Focus Sounds.
CHALLENGE:
Have child(ren) listen for the middle sound
HELPFUL TIPS:
Always model first until the child is comfortable with this activity.
Begin with one-syllable words.