If you teach with a Science of Reading approach, you probably know the feeling… you introduce red words, practice them, review them, and then a few weeks later your students look at you like they’ve never seen the word before. 😅

That was happening with some of my students this year, especially during intervention groups. Even after direct instruction, I noticed they were struggling to retain previously taught red words. They needed more repetition and review, but I also knew they needed it in a way that felt engaging and low-pressure.

I didn’t want another worksheet, I wanted something hands-on, interactive, and easy to pull out during small groups or literacy centers. That’s how my Safari-Themed Red Word Game Boards were created!

Red Word Safari | Kindergarten Edition
Red Word Safari | 1st Grade Edition
Red Word Safari | 2nd Grade Edition

Why I Created These Games

One thing I’ve learned while working with struggling readers is that repetition matters… a lot. But repetitive practice doesn’t have to feel boring.

My students were much more motivated when practice felt like a game instead of “more work.” I wanted to create an activity where students could repeatedly read red words while also strengthening their orthographic mapping skills.

The game boards combine:

• repeated reading practice
• movement and engagement
• orthographic mapping
• encoding
• handwriting practice all in one activity.

As students move through the safari path, they read each red word they pass. When they land on a word, they map it on the recording sheet using Elkonin boxes, identify the unexpected spelling pattern with a heart, and then rewrite the word on handwriting lines.

I love that students are not just reading the words — they’re actually analyzing and connecting the sounds and spellings in a meaningful way.

Built with Structured Literacy in Mind

These games were designed to support the Science of Reading and structured literacy practices that many of us are already using in our classrooms and intervention groups.

One of my goals was to create a resource that:

• reinforces previously taught red words
• encourages orthographic mapping
• supports automaticity
• provides meaningful review without feeling overwhelming

I also included both color and black-and-white versions of every game board because sometimes we want the cute colorful version… and sometimes we just need to quickly print and go. 😊

Perfect for Small Groups and Centers

I’ve been using these during:

• intervention groups
• literacy centers
• partner practice
• independent review time

They work especially well for students who need extra repetition with irregular words but benefit from a more playful approach to practice.

Available for Multiple Grade Levels

I created separate Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade sets using red words aligned to the IMSE Scope and Sequence so teachers can target the words their students are currently learning and reviewing.

Honestly, these have become one of my favorite low-prep ways to spiral review red words while keeping students engaged.

If your students need more practice retaining irregular words, I hope these game boards make red word review a little more fun and effective in your classroom too!