Scrambled Words
Our reviewers were
surprised at the popularity of this simple letter game. Involves little
preparation or cleanup.
Objectives
1. Reads simple words. 2. Identifies missing letter from
familiar word. 3. Matches letters.
Materials
Envelopes with words
printed on them; 2" squares of paper with the letters of the same word
inside envelope; blank paper squares; felt pens.
SEE ILLUSTRATION.
Procedures
1. Gather children around a table and give each child an
envelope with a word puzzle. Try to choose a word for each child of appropriate
length and difficulty so that he/she can succeed but a little effort will be
required.
2. As each child completes the first puzzle, check to see that the letters are
matched correctly and help the child identify the word. Letters are then put
back in the envelope.
3. Let the child choose a new word (perhaps own name). NOTE: Children often
choose words which do not lend themselves to simple phonetic analysis (names
are often impossible in spelling). When this happens, stress the names of the
letters and treat the word as a sight word.
4. Print the word on an envelope, the letters of the word on squares of paper,
mix them up and let the child solve the puzzle. Continue as long as time and
interest allow.
5. Children may keep the puzzles to play with at home. 
Variations
1. For more advanced children: Take a word very familiar to child, such as
his/her name. Remove one letter. Child arranges word (without looking at
envelope) and tells what letter is missing.
2. Print letters on envelope in lower case. Do letters on pieces of paper in
upper case.
3. See also Language Arts – “Home Address.”
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