Make tricky-word practice fun, hands-on and engaging with this simple Spin, Read & Cover game!

(TAS font)

Designed for Foundation/Prep students, this resource provides repeated practice of tricky words while keeping children actively involved in their learning. The tricky words are colour coded and sequenced to align with the InitiaLit Foundation program, making this resource a great addition to your literacy rotations, small-group activities or independent practice.

🎡 How to Play

Simply:

1. Print and laminate the game board.
2. Place a spinner through the centre or a split pin and paper clip.
3. Attach a paper clip to the split pin to create a simple spinner.
4. Spin the spinner.
5. Read the word you land on.
6. Cover the word with a counter, manipulative or small object.
7. Keep playing until all the words have been covered!

The game can be played:

• Independently
• With a partner
• In a small group
• As part of a literacy rotation or station

📖 InitiaLit Alignment

The tricky words in these booklets have been organised in the same order in which they are introduced in the InitiaLit literacy program.

Each set of tricky words is colour coded to correspond with the InitiaLit sequence, making it easy to select words that match the stage of learning your students are currently working on.

The words included are:

Set 1: is, I, a, the, my, that, to, you, was, they

Set 2: he, are, said, we, she, be, me, were, one, has, look

Set 3: his, her, them, there, have, here, of, with

Set 4: all, tall, ball, call, go, so, this, no, then

Set 5: do, put, like, as, very, some, where, want, what, come

Set 6: down, out, for, or, should, would, could

💡 Great For

• Literacy rotations and stations
• Independent tricky-word practice
• Partner activities
• Small-group literacy work
• Daily literacy activities
• Fast finishers
• Homework practice
• Consolidating newly introduced tricky words
• Foundation/Prep classrooms
• Repeated reading and word-recognition practice

✂️ Easy to Prepare

Simply print, laminate and play!

You will need:

• The printed resource
• A laminator and laminating pouches (optional but recommended)
• A spinner or a split pin and a paper clip
• Counters or small objects to cover the words

⭐ Why Teachers Will Love It

This resource turns tricky-word practice into a quick, low-prep game that students can play again and again. The simple format encourages children to repeatedly look at, read and recognise tricky words while developing confidence and automaticity.

The colour-coded sets also make it easy to differentiate and provide students with words that are appropriate to their current learning.

🎨 Choose Your Font Colour

This resource includes two versions of each game — one with white font and one with black font. This gives you the flexibility to choose the version that works best for your students and your classroom.

Not sure which one your students will find easiest to read? Try both and see which font colour provides the clearest, most comfortable reading experience for your learners. The two options also allow you to choose the version that prints best on your printer and works best with the colours of each tricky-word set.

Please Note

The tricky-word sequence in this resource has been aligned to the InitiaLit Foundation program for classroom convenience.

This resource is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by or approved by InitiaLit or its publisher. InitiaLit is a trademark of its respective owner(s). This is an independently created educational resource.