Make the Most of Your Time in May
Is your last month of school May? Or maybe you've got a few weeks in June? Either way, there's no denying the busyness of this time of year for teachers. We're squeezing in review, assessments, end of the year activities, field trips, and all the things! Because I already knew how crazy this time of year was in my room, my aim was always to simplify my lesson planning.
Now, don't worry; we're not resorting to endless worksheets and boring activities. Oh no! Just the opposite! I tapped into those classroom favorite, hands-on activities that kept my students engaged while practicing and reviewing key skills.
I'm sharing 5 simple yet effective literacy activities for May that will keep engagement high in your room. Let's inch toward summer on a positive note and make learning fun!
1. May Nonsense Word Sort
I love word-sorting games for the classroom. They're so versatile and can be used as a whole group lesson, a small group game, and even an independent learning activity. Having literacy activities for May that check all these boxes was a must for me! This allowed me to switch and swap and use things in a variety of ways depending on our needs that day.
That's just one of the reasons this May Nonsense Word Sort is on my list of favorites. This activity includes headings for real and nonsense words as well as 60 different cards to sort. Students will choose a card, read the word, and decide which category it falls into- real or nonsense.
This game is great because it gives students an engaging way to practice both decoding skills and reading comprehension! They will love reading the words aloud and then determining if it's a real one or not. I've included an optional recording sheet that students can use to keep track of words. They will write each one in the correct column, adding another layer of practice. This resource also features a bright and colorful bug theme that's perfect for May!
2. Spin and Say Nonsense Words
Nonsense words are a lot of fun. So much fun, in fact, that I've got another literacy activity for May that incorporates them. This Spin and Say Nonsense Words activity is going to be a new favorite in your classroom. It's much more engaging than regular old CVC worksheets, easy to prep, and can be used in many different ways!
To play, each student gets a game card as well as a spinner mat. They will use a plastic spinner, or a pencil and a paperclip to spin. Whichever picture they land on represents the row they will read from on their game card. They point to each nonsense word, reading as fluently as possible.
My favorite way to use this activity is in small groups so that I can informally assess student progress. Once the kids know how to use these, they also make a fantastic addition to your literacy centers. I like to laminate the game boards and spinner cards so that they can be used again and again.
3. May Sensory Bin
Hands-on learning is always a win in my book. Primary learners love using tactile activities, which is why I know this May Sensory Bin is sure to be a hit in your classroom! The idea behind this activity is that you will fill a small sensory bin with the included letter or letter sound cards. Students will use a spinner to spin a letter and then find the matching card in the bin. There is a recording sheet included so that they can write down each one as they go.
I would fill sensory bins or tubs with easter grass. It's inexpensive, low-mess, and really easy to hide the cards in the bin. You can also add seasonal mini erasers and fun figurines for an extra fun touch. I also liked to have the students use tweezers to pick up the cards for an extra fine motor element.
This activity is great because you can set it up once and pull it out a few times during the month as a literacy center option. Just print a stack of recording sheets and leave them next to the bin to prepare this simple yet effective and fun literacy center for May!
4. Counting Syllables Spring Scoot Game
Next up, this Counting Syllables Spring Scoot Game will get your kiddos moving and practicing phonemic awareness skills in a fun way. This resource includes 40 different picture cards that have a syllable count of 1-5, as well as a student recording sheet. You will lay 1 card out on each desk, or around the classroom perimeter, and provide each student with a recording sheet. Then, set a timer and have them work on counting the number of syllables in that word and mark down their answer before the time is up. When the timer goes off, they scoot to the next task card and repeat. My students loved this game because we could all play it together and move from spot to spot.
I've also included headings for 1 syllable, 2 syllables, and so on. You can place these in a pocket chart and use the picture cards to play a sorting game instead if you prefer. I liked to use both versions of this game throughout the month of May to mix it up. The versatility is great because it will allow you to target the skill of counting syllables in more than one way.
5. May Letter Recognition & Sound Fluency Activity
Alright, friends, I've got one more all-star on this list of simple and effective literacy activities for May! These May Letter Recognition & Sound Fluency Mats are going to be your new best friend. These work just like activity #2, except instead of reading nonsense words, we're focusing on letter recognition and letter sounds. Just choose which skill your students need to target.
Students will spin the spinner, find the matching picture on their card, and read the letters straight across and as fluently as possible. As they work their way across the card, they will simply say the letter name or sound as they move across the line.
This is a very versatile and fun resource to add to your literacy activities for May. Use them for independent desk work, center time, small groups, or fun and easy assessments! The options are endless.
Simplify Your Literacy Activities for May
We all know that May is busy, busy, busy in the primary classroom! So, why not simplify your lesson planning with these engaging activities? You can find all of these great literacy activities inside the May Literacy Centers Bundle. Not only will this streamline your planning, but it will be fun for your students too! Plus, when you buy the products in their bundle, you get them at a great discount. So, if you want to take one thing off your plate for May, be sure to check it out!
Looking for More?
Check out these posts next for more literacy teaching ideas.
- 7 Engaging Ways to Practice CVC Words
- Teaching Poetry in the Primary Classroom
- Fun Phonics Activities that Align with the Science of Reading
Save This Post
Make sure to pin this post on Pinterest so that you can come back to it when you're ready to plan your literacy activities for May.
