How to Play Mystery Word in Class

Mystery Word is a fantastic language arts activity for first graders and kindergarteners. It reinforces phonics and fine motor skills. This is not an independent activity. An adult running the table is ideal, but it's nothing that a 5th grader can't do with the kids.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A white or chalk board

1. Set up small groups of students. Five-student groups are ideal.
2. Give each student a mystery word sheet to write on. When they fill up the lines, I have them continue on the back.
3. Tell them what letter the mystery word begins with. Then the kids will start brainstorming words while the adult writes them on the board.
4. Have the kids copy the words down.
5. At the end of center time, I reveal what the mystery word was. I have the mystery word written on a piece of paper and give it to the student who correctly guessed it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let one student slow the entire group down.