ai or a-e Phonics Game for Long Vowel Spelling Practice

This is a fun, print n' go phonic game to give pupils practice in the spelling and reading of words with ai or the split digraph a-e.

Be the first to get to the moon as you find words to fit your rocket - either ai or the a-e words.

Objectives

This game helps children to learn which combination of letters are used to spell common words in the ‘ai’ and ‘a-e’ sound families.
It also gives practice reading ‘ai’ and ‘a-e’ words.

Who can use this game?

Pupils who have learnt both the digraphs a-e and ai.

It is excellent for reluctant learners, special needs, and just about all children.

It can also be used with EFL/ESL learners.

It can be used by teachers, parents, home educators and private tutors and any others who may find it helpful.

For use with any phonic programme, including Read, Write Inc. and Jolly Phonics.

How many players are required?

This is a game for 2 players.

What is included?

Full instructions and teaching notes are included.

There are 2 baseboards

And a mixture of picture/word cards

Simply print, cut out the pieces and play.

How to play:

Each player chooses a rocket baseboard, one for ai and one for a-e. A feely bag contains a mix of picture cards and word cards. Players take turns drawing from the bag. If the card drawn matches their pattern, they place the corresponding rectangular word card onto their rocket. If it belongs to the other player's pattern, it goes back. Picture cards are matched to their word cards before being placed; word cards are matched to their duplicate on the table. The first player to fill their rocket reaches the moon and wins.Chance is central to how the game works, and this is deliberate. Because the outcome depends partly on the luck of the draw, a child can win or lose without it reflecting on their ability. For children who have struggled with spelling and carry anxiety about getting things wrong, this shift matters enormously. They play to win, stay engaged, and absorb the pattern comparisons almost without noticing.

For use with any phonic programme, including Read, Write Inc. and Jolly Phonics.