Having students build words is a really valuable phonics activity! In my phonics program, From Sounds to Spelling, students build words at least a few times a week.

I like my students to each have their own full set of magnetic letters. They keep these letters organized, in alphabetical order. (This saves SO much time – I don’t have to pass out letters, they’re not searching for letters constantly, etc.)

It can be costly to buy a set of magnetic letters for each of your students, though! If you don’t have funds to purchase them, but you want to make your own, this post will show you how!

First, gather the following supplies:

• 1 small cookie sheet or magnetic whiteboard per student (you may already have whiteboards that are magnetic)
• 1 piece of cardstock or heavy paper per student (if you’re making these for Kindergarteners, you can probably use one piece for every two students)
• 1 sheet of adhesive magnetic paper per set of letter tiles (from this set, for example – Amazon affiliate link)

Step 1: Create or print your letter tiles onto the cardstock.

The tiles shown in this post are a printable resource from the “Program Materials” section of my From Sounds to Spelling phonics program.

If you don’t use my phonics program, you can easily create your own. Open up a word processing document and create a grid.

Type two of each letter into the grid (you may also want to include apostrophes or other punctuation marks).

If you’re teaching Kindergarten, students will likely only need one of each letter. You can divide up the letters on one grid between two students.

Step 2: Stick your printed letter tiles onto the magnetic paper.

Unpeel the magnetic paper adhesive.

Stick the back of your letter set to the adhesive. (The printed letters should be facing out, not sticking to the adhesive.)

Step 3: Cut apart the alphabet tiles.

Cut apart the tiles (regular scissors will do just fine). Stick your tiles to a cookie sheet or magnetic dry erase board, and your students are all set to make words!

And that’s it! You’re all set to go!

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If you’re interested in learning more about building words and teaching phonics, check out my phonics program, From Sounds to Spelling, here.

Happy word building!