Phonics Time Cheer: A Fun Way to Learn Sounds!

Looking for an exciting way to introduce a new phonics sound or concept? Say hello to the Phonics Time cheer!

A classroom scene where students are joyfully participating in the Phonics Time Cheer, with the teacher holding up a phonics sound card. The children are moving, smiling, and fully engaged in the activity, creating a lively and interactive learning environment.

Getting Started:

First, I started this little routine with my small groups. Then, it was such a hit that I brought it into the whole classroom. It’s been a game-changer, especially as a quick movement break.

In the past we’ve used this with UFLI or introducing a new sound with the Orton Gillingham method.  We started with the 3-part drill (cards or slides) and before we introduce the new concept, we stand up and CHEER!  Imagine a room full of kids cheering for a letter or sound—it’s awesome! I love it!

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A group of young students in a classroom enthusiastically participating in a phonics cheer. They are swaying, snapping, and cheering together as the teacher holds up a sound card, all with big smiles on their faces. The classroom is lively, with children moving and engaging in the activity.

Phonics Time Cheer Movements:

You can do any rhythm and movements you wish, these are the movements we like:

It’s phonics time! It’s phonics time!
(movement: a little swaying and snapping)

Let’s all give a shout!
(movement: hands cupping mouth in a pretend shout)

Let’s wiggle and jiggle and jump all about!
(movement: a little wiggle and jiggle, and jump in place)

When the letter is ready, it will pop right now!

Let’s hear it for ______ (teacher pulls out the new sound card and holds it up, cheer!)

____ says _____ (for example, “b says /b/” and students repeat)

HOORAY!

It’s so much fun!

The kids love it! Sure, some aren’t as into it, but that’s okay. Do we look like a polished cheer squad? Definitely not. But we’re having fun, and that’s what matters. If you bring the energy, they’ll probably follow suit.

I made mini posters of the Phonics Cheer for classrooms. Most kids don’t really need to read it at the beginning of the year, they find it at the end of the year and are thrilled they can read it. If you’re wondering whether you “have” to do the cheer, absolutely not, but I do expect everyone to stand up.

How do I know the kids are into it? I catch them singing it to themselves while they work. ❤️

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Give the Phonics Time Cheer a try and watch your students light up!  PHONICS TIME CHEER

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