My Top 5 UFLI Phonics Games

Phonics is such a fantastic way to help young learners unlock the magic of reading and writing. But let’s be honest - sometimes, teaching phonics can feel a bit repetitive or dull. That’s why I’m excited to share some creative phonics games and activities that will bring energy, laughter, and real learning to your classroom or home! These ideas are easy to set up, super engaging, and perfect for keeping kids motivated as they master those sounds and letters.

Why Creative Phonics Games Make a Difference

The research shows that learning through play helps build strong connections in children's brains, making reading skills stick.

Here’s why I love using creative phonics games:

• Boosts engagement: Kids stay focused and excited.

• Encourages repetition: Games naturally invite practice without boredom.

• Supports different learning styles: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners all benefit.

• Builds confidence: Success in games motivates kids to try more.

  
  

Top 5 Creative Phonics Games to Try Today

Here are some of my favourite phonics games that you can start using right now. Each one follows the UFLI scope and sequence and targets key phonics skills like letter sounds, blending, segmenting, and word recognition.

1. Lucky Squares

Who is lucky with the dice and can cover their squares first? This fun and engaging UFLI phonics game for two players is a great way to get extra practice in your literacy classes. No prep required, just print and go. Take turns rolling the die and find a square with the same number. Read the word and cover or cross out your word. If you don’t find a square with your number you miss a turn!

The first person to cover all of the squares on their game board wins!

Why it works: Over 24 words to read! This games is a great way to provide extra practice in blending to reinforce the student’s ability to decode and to blend sounds together.

2. Honeycomb Race

My number one best selling phonics game! Who can be the first to make a pathway from one side to the other first? Each player will use a different color marker, highlighter or token. Players take turns and read a word. Players will mark off their word by coloring or covering your hexagon. Win the game by coloring in a connected path from one side to the other before your opponent. You can move anywhere on your turn so try and block your opponent but still try and make your connected path!

Why it works: Additional practice can help with automaticity in decoding. Pair a stronger reader with a weaker reader so they can support each other in their reading journey.

3. Dots & Boxes - Reading and Spelling

Based on the old classic but with a phonics twist. Take turns to join two adjacent dots with a horizontal or vertical line. If a player completes the fourth side of a box they read the word, initial that box and must draw another line. When all the boxes have been completed the winner is the player who has initialed the most boxes.

For an added twist, once a player has completed their box, have them ask their partner to spell the word.

4. Speed Read for Phonics - Fluency Practice

In this activity for one player, start by reading your words without using your fidget spinner/timer, take the time to sound out and blend unfamiliar words.

Round 1: Spin your fidget spinner and see how many words you can read before your spinner stops. Remember to slow down and read accurately.

Round 2: Try again, see if you can beat your first try.

Don’t have a spinner? Use a sand timer, spinning top or timer instead.

Why it works: This game enhances fluency by providing repetitive practice, which benefits children who have difficulty with blending. How to check if they are reading accurately? Pair students up with a more experienced reader.

5. Bumper Car Phonics! - Reading Practice

Can you ride more amusement park rides than your opponent? Each player will use a different color marker or highlighter. Players take turns in reading words around the amusement park rides. Each player will read a word and color it in.

The player who completes the last word around the picture is allowed to ride it!

When all the words have been read, the winner is the player who has ridden (encircled) the most rides!

Why it works: Students love competing to see who can go on the most amusement park rides. They won't even realize they're learning!

Using Phonics Games and Activities to Support UFLI Curriculum

If you’re working with the UFLI curriculum, you’ll love how these games fit perfectly with its evidence-based approach. The curriculum emphasises systematic phonics instruction, and these activities provide the perfect hands-on practice to reinforce each lesson. Many of the packs include more games than lessons. Why? Because some students require focus on only one sound at a time, so some lessons with 2 or more sheets included.

Let’s Make Phonics Learning a Joyful Journey!

Phonics doesn’t have to be a chore. With these creative phonics games and activities, you can transform lessons into lively, joyful experiences that kids look forward to. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, tutoring one-on-one, or helping at home, these playful strategies will help young learners build strong reading foundations with smiles on their faces.

So, why wait? Grab your materials, gather your learners, and start playing your way to phonics success today! And remember, the more fun you have, the more your learners will too.

Happy teaching and happy playing!