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Sound-ical Chairs | Activities | WTTW Kids Learn & Play

Instead of music, students will practice recognizing similar phonological sounds through this rendition of Musical Chairs. Children must think quick on their feet in order to determine when they need to take a seat.

Two cartoon bear friends fist-bumping on an porch sofa

Activity Prep

  1. Before the activity, make sure you have access to chairs. Place them in a circle ahead of time, if possible. There should be one fewer chair than there are participants. Groups with a maximum of eight children will ensure more children will be actively participating throughout the activity.
  2. The activity will run more smoothly if the words used during the game are written out ahead of time, but improvisation also works.

Activity

  1. Go over the following rules with the children: The presenter will read a series of words that start with the same sound while the children walk in a circle around the chairs. When the presenter says one that starts with a different sound, the children must quickly find a chair and sit down. The child that does not find an available chair is out and should sit on the floor to observe the rest of the activity. After each round, remove one of the remaining chairs.
  2. Play until there is only one chair left. When the final child finds a seat, they win!

Considerations/Modifications/Extension Activities

  1. If not enough chairs are available, you can use placemats or chair pads for the floor instead.
  2. For children that need additional assistance, playing a practice round or two can help children gain confidence.

Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts

  • The child follow agreed-upon rules for discussions, etc. (CCSS. ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.A)
  • The child will demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage. (CCSS.ELA-ITERACY.L.K.1)

Items Needed

  • Chairs (one fewer than the number of children who will play the game)