When children are learning to read playing games with their developing skills is a great way to practice while playing. This giant 3D word search can be used so many ways. For my almost 5 year old I put in simple words he could recognize or easily sound out. I also helped him by making all the words a consistent color and horizontal only. With younger children it can still be a fun game simply looking for specific colors or letters. With older ones you can make words multi colored, going every which way. The learning isn’t just in the searching either, using the dry erase marker to carefully circle the letters or words is fantastic writing practice and the foam letters are a sensory experience too.
- Gather your materials. You will need a sturdy backing like a inexpensive canvas or even some cardboard, contact paper ( which will make it wipe off) foam letter stickers ( two packs) and scissors. Also a dry erase marker to play with.
- Start by covering your canvas or card board with clear contact paper. This makes the surface friendly for dry erase . I found that a baby wipe worded the best to get the marker off after we played.
- Start making a column of letters.
- Decide on some words to pop in. Like I said in the preamble you can customize this to your child’s specific stage of learning.
- Add the words mixed with some random letters.
- Invite your child to play. I meant to make a list of the words I included but forgot and it turned out we didn’t need them. You may want one though.
- Oops he circled the o but it was no biggie because it’s dry erase!
I was fascinated by which words he knew by sight and which he sounded out. He loved this and I can see myself making a few more over the next few months for sure.
anonymous says
This is such a fantastic idea! I’ve tried the typical word searches for my son and they overwhelm him still at his stage. I think the larger size and bright colors in this one would be perfect for him! Thanks so much for sharing! Keep those “learning to read” ideas coming!!
Suzi says
I really appreciate the “Success Factor” your activities. Life is frustrating enough for little people.
Smallgood says
Perfect. I just bought a bunch of foam stickers.
Deborah says
Allie – this is a terrific idea!
admin says
Thanks!
Deborah it would be so awesome in a class too since it’s all dry erase. An eager teacher could make a number of them for all levels!
Natalie says
This is a pretty neat idea and a way to use up all those stickers 🙂
Leatha Burke says
I did this with magnetic letters (the old fashioned thin kind that you get at the dollar store) and tape. Then I just taped then down to the dry erase surface. I was able to then change it up so we could keep reusing the same ones and it saves money and it was jsut as fun for my 6 yr old 🙂 thanks for the ideas!
Diana @ Toronto Teacher Mom says
This is such a fabulous idea! I absolutely love how simple it is to make. Thanks so much for sharing!
Elise @ Creative Play Central says
Such a great idea. My older two children really enjoy word searches so I can’t wait to try your idea with them.