Make phonics practice sweet and engaging with our Initial Sound Ice Cream Match Ups. In this fun activity, students match colourful scoops of ice cream to their cones, each cone displaying a lowercase letter and each scoop featuring a picture that begins with the same initial sound. This hands-on game brings excitement to literacy learning while reinforcing sound-letter connections.

The activity is designed for flexibility, allowing teachers to use it in multiple ways. You may choose to play with the cones and scoops loose for a matching game, or create miniature game boards by gluing the cones down in sets and having students match the scoops as the sounds are introduced. This adaptability makes it easy to tailor the activity to your phonics program and the individual needs of your students.

Perfect for literacy rotations, small group instruction, or even independent practice, this game helps young learners build confidence in recognising sounds while also developing vocabulary and fine motor skills. The engaging ice cream theme adds an element of fun that motivates students to participate and practise repeatedly.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise lowercase letters and connect them to their corresponding sounds
• ✅ Strengthen phonemic awareness through matching letters and pictures
• ✅ Build vocabulary by identifying images linked to sounds
• ✅ Develop fine motor coordination through handling game pieces
• ✅ Gain confidence in phonics through interactive play

What’s Included:

• Lowercase ice cream cone cards, one for each letter of the alphabet
• Three ice cream scoop cards for each letter featuring matching initial sound images
• Instructions for multiple ways to play and differentiate
• Available in Australian state fonts

Materials Needed:

• Printer and cardstock for cones and scoops
• Scissors or guillotine to cut pieces apart
• Laminator and pouches for durability
• Optional: envelopes, bags, or tubs to store sets
• Glue if creating fixed game boards

How to Use:

1. Print and laminate the cones and scoops for long-term use.
2. Choose whether to play with loose pieces or create set game boards with glued cones.
3. Students pick a cone, say the letter and its sound, then find the scoops that match the initial sound.
4. Place or attach the scoops above the cone until the full ice cream is built.
5. Continue until all cones and scoops are matched correctly.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a small group activity for targeted phonics instruction
• 💡 Add to literacy rotations for independent or partner play
• 💡 Provide only a few cones and scoops at a time to focus on current sounds
• 💡 Turn it into a fast-finisher activity for extra practice
• 💡 Create sets for home practice to reinforce learning with families

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on coloured cardstock before laminating for easy sorting and added durability
• 💛 Start with a small number of cones for beginners and increase as confidence builds
• 💛 Store cones and scoops in labelled zip bags or containers to keep sets organised

Our Initial Sound Ice Cream Match Ups is a delightful way to combine phonics practice with play. With its engaging theme and flexible format, this resource makes learning sounds hands-on, interactive, and fun for early learners.

This resource is available in Australian state fonts.