Race & Match Initial Sounds Game is an exciting and hands-on phonics activity designed to help young learners develop their ability to identify the initial sounds of words. With colourful cards, engaging gameplay, and multiple ways to play, this resource brings energy and enthusiasm to your phonics program – all while reinforcing early sound-letter connections.

Students will race around a track, pausing at intervals to flip over a game card and match the picture to its correct initial sound. With over 100 cards included and a variety of visual options, this game is perfect for literacy centres, phonics rotations, small group learning or intervention sessions. Whether using the printable race track or a real toy track, the game provides a multi-sensory, movement-based learning experience that keeps students motivated and focused.

By encouraging students to say, hear, and see the sound-letter connection in context, the Race & Match Initial Sounds Game is both playful and purposeful – making it a standout addition to any early years classroom.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and isolate the initial sounds of words
• ✅ Strengthen phonemic awareness through oral practise
• ✅ Build sound-letter correspondence knowledge
• ✅ Develop turn-taking, listening, and fine motor skills through gameplay
• ✅ Reinforce vocabulary through image-word connections

What’s Included:

• Printable race track pieces
• 8 car playing pieces (use printable versions or toy cars)
• 104 initial sound game cards (in high and low colour options)
• Start and finish line signs
• Clear step-by-step instructions for set-up and gameplay

Materials Needed:

• Printed resource items (preferably on cardstock for durability)
• Dice
• Counters (optional for track placement)
• Optional: toy race track or whiteboards for writing extension

How to Use:

1. Set up the race track using either the printable version or a physical toy track.
2. Place counters or cards face down at intervals along the track.
3. Students roll a die, move along the track, and flip a card when they land on a marked space.
4. They say the word on the card, identify its initial sound, and point to the correct answer.
5. If incorrect, they miss a turn; if correct, they continue. The first to reach the finish wins!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in literacy centres as a small group game rotation
• 💡 Set up a phonics race track corner for ongoing practise
• 💡 Incorporate into guided reading warm-ups to reinforce beginning sounds
• 💡 Adjust the rules to suit your learners – play for laps, points, or team-based rounds

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use plastic frames for displaying the start and finish signs – they’re perfect for table-top setups
• 💛 For added engagement, let students design their own cars or customise their race mats
• 💛 Pre-teach /x/ sound cards and discuss that the sound is heard at the end of those words (e.g., fox)
• 💛 Extend learning by encouraging students to write or draw other words that start with the same sound

Race & Match Initial Sounds Game is a dynamic and interactive way to reinforce beginning sounds while fostering a love of learning. With movement, collaboration, and playful competition, students are sure to stay engaged while developing essential phonics skills.