"How do you see learners leading learning, exploring the unknown, and finding  joy in the process?

I have been creating games for my Wilson Reading Instruction groups to make what can be a little dry and very predictable also fun and engaging. The games I created were for particular components that focus on reading/marking words and reading in fluent phrases. I have found that adding play to a into a systematic reading system has tons of benefits. I have seen my students engage with words and their phonetic systems in a way that feels natural and enjoyable, which helps reduce anxiety and increases their willingness to participate. It makes learning more fun and less stressful, so students are more willing to jump in and participate. Plus, it gives them a chance to practice fluency skills without feeling pressured. When students play with words—whether through games or just messing around with language—they're getting hands-on practice that sticks. It’s a great way for them to deepen their understanding while having a good time, making reading feel less like work and more like a cool challenge.

I expected joy and fun, but not the sense of ownership the games would inspire. While having fun, engaging, and getting consistent repetition, my students began putting their own spins on the games and creating new rules. As long as the rules were positive and the work got done, I thought, "Why not?" I have found that in the process of my students taking ownership of their learning, they become more motivated and invested in the process. It encouraged them to take initiative, solve problems independently or encourage each other to do their best, and feel a sense of pride in their progress. Ownership also fosters a deeper understanding of the material, as students are more likely to reflect on their work and make connections to what they’ve learned. There were many times I saw them commenting on each other's work in a friendly way to remind them to mark a work in a certain way or catch something that had gone unnoticed. They were investing in each other's work as well as their own. Ultimately, investing in their work like this allowed them to develop critical thinking skills and a growth mindset, empowered my students to take responsibility for their success.

Hi Maddy - You make the best games! Thank you for sharing:) - Jessica Grandefeld  

I LOVE all of these games and activities. You're so creative. Thanks so much for sharing. Can't wait to use them! 

- Angelina Scaringella