Making Phonics Stick: A Fun Way to Teach Glued Sounds & Ending Sounds

This game is aligned with the level 1 Fundations Curriculum (not affiliated with Fundations)

Phonics instruction is the heartbeat of a literacy classroom, but we all know that keeping little learners engaged—and accountable—can be a challenge. If you are looking for a "print-and-go" solution to help your students master those tricky glued sounds and ending sounds, a memory matching game is a classic for a reason!

Why Games Work for Literacy

Games take the "work" out of word work. By turning phonics practice into a matching challenge, students stay focused on the sounds without even realizing they are building fluency. In this activity, students hunt for pairs of:

• Sound Words: Target words focusing on specific ending and glued sounds.

• Trick Words: High-frequency words that need extra repetition to master.

The Secret Sauce: Total Accountability

The biggest hurdle with center games is knowing if students actually did the work. That’s why this game includes a built-in recording sheet.

As students find a match, they don't just put the cards aside; they record the word on their sheet. This simple step ensures they are practicing their writing and reinforces the connection between the sounds they hear and the letters they see. It’s an easy, low-prep way to keep your centers running smoothly while you pull small groups.

Ready to play?

If you’re looking to save time on prep and give your students a fun, effective way to practice, you can find the complete Glued Sounds & Ending Sounds Memory Match (including the recording sheet!) in my shop.

[Click here to check it out on Teachers Pay Teachers!]

To get a discount on the bundle [click here]