top of page

Find the Star - ch

Are you looking for a playful and effective way to help your Year 1 and Year 2 students master the tricky ch digraph and tch trigraph? Look no further than Find the Star, a free phonics game designed to make learning these spelling patterns an enjoyable group activity.

​

This interactive game focuses on reinforcing the spelling rule for the /ch/ sound while building phonics skills, reading fluency, and confidence.

Find the Star.png

How to Play Find the Star

Find the Star is a group game perfect for small classrooms or homeschool settings. Here’s how it works:

  1. Prepare the Cards:

    • Write a selection of words with the /ch/ sound on cards. Be sure to include both ch and tch words, such as hatch, beach, catch, and lunch.

    • Create one special “star” card to hide behind the word cards.

  2. Set Up the Game:

    • Spread the word cards face-up on a table or floor so all students can see and read them clearly.

    • One student (or the teacher) hides the star card behind one of the word cards without the others seeing.

  3. Play the Game:

    • Students take turns reading a word aloud. After reading, they pick up the card to check if the star is hidden behind it.

    • If a student finds the star, they win the round!

  4. Repeat and Rotate:

    • After each round, shuffle and reposition the word cards, and allow a different student to hide the star for the next game.

 

Why Play Find the Star?

This simple but engaging game offers numerous educational benefits:

  • Reinforces Phonics Skills: Students repeatedly practice reading ch and tch words.

  • Encourages Rule Application: The game can include discussions about why specific words use ch or tch.

  • Promotes Social Interaction: Playing in a group fosters teamwork, turn-taking, and communication.

  • Builds Confidence: Students feel accomplished as they successfully decode words and apply phonics rules.

 

Tips for Teachers and Parents

  • Differentiate the Game: Adjust the difficulty by including a mix of simpler words (e.g., chat, chip) and more challenging words (e.g., pitch, stretch) based on your students’ levels.

  • Incorporate Discussion: After a few rounds, pause to discuss why certain words use ch or tch.

  • Expand Vocabulary: Use the game as an opportunity to introduce new words and their meanings.

 

A Fun and Educational Resource

At Smart Boarding School, we’re dedicated to creating resources that make phonics learning enjoyable and effective. Find the Star is a perfect addition to any literacy lesson, combining phonics practice with playful interaction.

 

Download Find the Star for Free!

Ready to bring excitement to your phonics lessons? Click the link below to download the Find the Star game for free and start practicing ch and tch words today!

bottom of page