Sorting Vowels and Consonants

📝 This post, A Simple Sorting Game for Recognizing Vowels and Consonants, was originally published in 2013 and has been updated with new information and resources.

At the beginning of first grade, not all students know the difference between vowels and consonants. I like to take time to teach this concept early to make sure we are all on the same page. Most kids pick it up quickly, but some need a bit more practice — and that’s exactly why I created this game!

When to Use This Game

📝 Beginning of first grade during alphabet review
📝 Literacy centers
📝 Small group instruction
📝 Early finisher activity
📝 At home practice

Why Are Vowels and Consonants Important?

Knowing the difference between a vowel and a consonant is an important part of learning to read and write. They are the building blocks of words, and it is important for students to recognize the differences between them to read and read fluently.

📝 The five vowels are a, e, i, o, u
📝 The consonants are all the other letters in the alphabet
📝 The letter y is considered a consonant in this game
📝 Every word in the English language contains at least one vowel!

Vowel and Consonant Spin Game

Materials Needed

✔️templates available here
✔️scissors
✔️metal fastener (brad)
✔️glue (optional)
✔️cardboard (optional)

Preparing the Vowel and Consonant Game

Print the templates. Cut out the letters and assemble the spinner as directed in the product. Print as many sets as you have players or small groups. Laminate if desired.

Ways to Play

💡 Spin and Grab: Place all the vowel cards and 5-6 consonant cards face up in front of the players. The players spin the spinner, then choose a letter and place it on the mat. For example, if the players spin “consonant,” they pick a consonant card and place it in the consonant column on the sorting mat.

💡 Spin and Sort: Place all the cards face down. Players take turns “grabbing” a card and putting it in the correct column on the sorting mat.

💡Quick Sort: Place the deck of cards face down in front of the players. Students take one card at a time and quickly sort them into the correct columns on their sorting mat.

💡Quick Response Game: Hold up one card at a time and have students say “vowel” or “consonant.”

💡Speed Sort: Create a designated place for vowels and consonants in the room.Give all players in a group one card. When you say go, students must place their letters in the correct spot or basket as quickly and carefully as they can. If you have extra cards, have the students return for a second card.

This vowels and consonants sorting game is one of those activities that students ask to play again and again! Simple to prep and easy to use for all learners.

To get your Vowel and Consonant Spin Game templates, click here!