Activity: “I Spy with Short ‘i’”

Objective: To teach kindergarten students the short “i” sound through a fun and interactive “I Spy” game.

Materials needed: 1. Picture cards or objects that contain words with the short “i” sound (e.g., pig, bin, lid, fish, etc.) 2. Large chart paper or whiteboard 3. Markers or colored pencils 4. Small prizes or stickers (optional)

Instructions: 1. Begin by introducing the short “i” sound to the students. Explain that the short “i” sound is heard in words like “pig,” “bin,” and “fish.” 2. Write the letter “i” on the chart paper or whiteboard and explain that this is the letter that makes the short “i” sound. 3. Show the students the picture cards or objects one by one, emphasizing the short “i” sound in each word. For example, hold up a picture of a pig and say, “I spy with my little eye, something that starts with the short ‘i’ sound. It’s a pig!” 4. Encourage the students to repeat the word after you, emphasizing the short “i” sound. 5. After going through a few examples together, divide the students into small groups or pairs. 6. Give each group a set of picture cards or objects. 7. In their groups, the students take turns being the “spy.” The spy selects a picture card or object and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that starts with the short ‘i’ sound. It’s a ___.” (e.g., “I spy with my little eye, something that starts with the short ‘i’ sound. It’s a lid.”) 8. The other students in the group then try to guess the word by saying the name of the object and emphasizing the short “i” sound. For example, they might say, “Is it a pig?” or “Is it a bin?” 9. The spy can give hints if needed, but should not reveal the answer until someone guesses correctly. 10. Once a student guesses correctly, they become the next spy and the game continues. 11. Play the game for a designated amount of time or until each student has had a chance to be the spy. 12. As a closing activity, gather the students together and review the words they learned with the short “i” sound. Encourage them to say the words aloud, emphasizing the short “i” sound. 13. If desired, reward the students with small prizes or stickers for their participation and effort.

Note: This activity can be modified based on the available resources and the number of students in the class. The focus should be on engaging the students and providing them with opportunities to practice and reinforce the short “i” sound.