race from base to base

Overview
The children will race from base to base as they read -ase and -ace words, such as place, space, race, face, case, and base. 
Point out that words with -ace and -ase spellings are pronounced the same.

Practice the skill within an activity
Place bases in spaces

• Show the Base Case folder and read the -ase and -ace words on the bases (large word cards—see below).
• Point out that the places marked with tape or chalk Xs will be spaces to place bases.
• Read a base (word card) and arrange for children to place a base in each X-marked space.     

Pretend to race to a base 

• Tell the children that they will pretend to race from base to base. 
• Have the children take a place at the starting space and race in place.
• Let a child choose a small card with an -ase or an -ace word and read it with the group.
• Allow the child to race (trot) to the base that matches the chosen word card.
• Let the rest of the children race in place and chant, “Race to the base with the _____ (vase).”
• Encourage the child to race back to the starting place.
• Have the children clap and say, “First place!” 

Let’s Race! Make a Race Activity 

• Give small groups of children the Base Race sheet and a token.
• Let the children choose a “home base” and write Home Base on that place. 
• Have the children write -ase or -ace words on the other bases.
• Let the children tell a partner where to “race” (e.g., move from the Home Base to the base that says face or space)
• Permit the children to trade activity sheets and race again.
• Have children write sentences such as the following: I can race to the base with the vase. I can race from base to base.

Apply the Skill
Read about the race to the base (see below)

• Read the target text Race to the Base with the children following along.
• Read the text with the children again, fading support.

Write -ase and -ace words 

• Let the children mark the -ase and -ace words in the text.
• Make a word wall that lists words that use the -ase and -ace endings.
• Let the children write -ase and -ace words from dictation.