Blast off into outer space and explore distant galaxies! With every correct answer, students warp between galaxies and collect cosmic objects that earn them space badges to mark their progress. Who will fill their badge belt first and become a master space explorer?

In this version, learners focus on the long /u/ sound. For each prompt, they examine a picture and a target word, then select the correct spelling pattern from options that include /u/, /ui/, /u_e/, /oo/, /ew/, and /ue/. This strengthens phoneme-grapheme knowledge, reinforces common patterns in position, and builds confident, accurate spelling.

Let’s Explore - Long /u/ Spelling works beautifully on an interactive whiteboard for whole-class modelling, in small groups during phonics rotations, or independently via QR code. The fast feedback, visual cues, and replayability make it perfect for targeted practice, intervention, or a motivating consolidation task.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise multiple spellings of the long /u/ phoneme
• ✅ Select the correct grapheme for a pictured word
• ✅ Apply phoneme-grapheme mapping to spell words
• ✅ Use position cues to choose between patterns
• ✅ Build fluency through immediate, gamified practice

How to Play:

1. View the image and read the matching word prompt.
2. Choose the correct long /u/ spelling from the options: /u/, /ui/, /u_e/, /oo/, /ew/, /ue/.
3. Each correct answer warps you to a new galaxy and earns a space badge.
4. Keep answering to collect more badges and complete your stellar journey.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a quick phonics warm-up to activate long vowel knowledge.
• 💡 Add to rotations for independent practice with visual and immediate feedback.
• 💡 After playing, sort classroom words by pattern to deepen generalisation.
• 💡 Invite students to write a sentence using the chosen grapheme.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by choosing from six characters before the game begins.
• 💛 Select the number of players or teams at the start of the game to suit individual, paired, or group play.
• 💛 Send the QR code home for students to play as a homework or revision task.

Let’s Explore - Long /u/ Spelling turns targeted phonics into an intergalactic quest, helping students secure accurate long /u/ spellings while collecting badges and blasting confidently from galaxy to galaxy.