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Roll your Way to Learning!

Updated: Jun 13, 2024

A board game example with playing pieces and dice
A board game

Dice are versatile tools that can add an element of fun and randomness to literacy activities. They can be used in various ways to enhance reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills for children. Click here to get your FREE copy of my Roll and Say/Write game!


Here are some creative ideas for using dice in literacy games:


1. Roll and Read/Write/Say

A roll and write game available through our online reading program. Easy game with dice for literacy practice
A game available through our reading program

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • Flashcards with sight words or vocabulary words

  • Optional: Use a game board like my free option here!

How to Play:

  • Write different words on flashcards/index cards/pieces of scrap paper, and spread them out.

  • Assign a number to each word (e.g., 1-6).

  • Roll the dice and have the child read the word that corresponds to the number rolled.

  • To add a challenge, ask the child to use the word in a sentence.


2. Story Dice


Make a comic book instead of writing a story. Switch it up to differentiate the product.

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • Story prompts or categories (e.g., character, setting, problem, solution)

How to Play:

  • Assign each number on the dice to different story elements (e.g., 1 = character, 2 = setting, etc.).

  • Roll the dice multiple times to determine different elements of the story.

  • Have the child write or tell a story using the elements rolled.

  • This can be expanded by using multiple dice to roll for combinations of characters, settings, and problems.


3. Roll a Sentence (advanced)

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • Paper and pencil

How to Play:

  • Create a chart with sentence parts for each number (e.g., 1 = noun, 2 = verb, etc.).

  • Roll the dice to determine the parts of a sentence.

  • The child then comes up with a word for that sentence part (for example they roll a 1 for "noun" and they come up with the word "dog")

  • Have the child write a sentence using the word that they came up with

  • This can be used to create both simple and complex sentences.


4. Word Building

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • Alphabet chart with letters assigned to each number

How to Play:

  • Assign letters to each number on the dice (e.g., 1 = A, B, C, 2 = D, E, F, etc.).

  • Roll the dice to select letters. (For example, if they rolled 1, they could choose B... then roll again and they got 2, so they choose E... then roll again for the third letter - or however long the word is they are working on)

  • Have the child use the letters rolled to build words. If they are beginner readers, it could be fun to make a word and see if it is a REAL word or a NONSENSE word. Be sure to teach them about vowels so they know that every word needs one of the vowels.

  • For an extra challenge, set a timer to see how many words can be created in a set time.


5. Phonics Practice

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • Flashcards with phonics sounds or blends

How to Play:

  • Assign phonics sounds or blends to each number on the dice.

  • Roll the dice and have the child read or spell a word using the sound or blend that corresponds to the number rolled.

  • This activity helps reinforce phonics skills in a fun and interactive way.

  • If they are new readers, they can simply roll and say the sound or the name of the letter, or come up with a word that starts with that sound


6. Comprehension Questions

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • List of comprehension questions

How to Play:

  • Create a list of questions related to a book or story, assigning a number to each question (e.g., 1-6).

  • After reading, roll the dice and have the child answer the question that corresponds to the number rolled.

  • This encourages critical thinking and discussion about the text.


7. Synonym/Antonym Roll

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • List of words with corresponding synonyms or antonyms

How to Play:

  • Assign words to each number on the dice.

  • Roll the dice and have the child give a synonym or antonym for the word that corresponds to the number rolled.

  • This activity expands vocabulary and understanding of word relationships.


8. Homemade Board Game

Materials Needed:

  • Dice

  • Paper and Pen/pencil

  • Playing pieces

How to Play:

  • Create your board game design on paper

  • Add elements you are working on, in the playing boxes (for example, letters)

  • Add the "go back 1" or "go forward 1" spaces

  • Roll and Play. When they land on the spot they have to say the letter name, sound, and a word with that letter (or make a sentence with that word)

  • Make it harder/more interesting, by adding playing cards that they have to pick up, with extra challenges.

An example of a blank board game template available through our online reading program
A board game template from our program

Conclusion

Using dice in literacy games adds an element of unpredictability and excitement, making learning more engaging for children. These activities can be easily adapted to suit different age groups and literacy levels, providing a fun and interactive way to develop essential reading and writing skills. Whether at home or in the classroom, incorporating dice into literacy games is a simple yet effective way to enhance educational experiences.

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