State the Objective

Tell the children that they will slip sticks in slots in a box and that they will read and write short-vowel words, such as box, cut, fit, slot, slit, slip, and stick.

Literacy Activities

Introduce target words

• Show the children the short-vowel target words.
• Read the words with the children.

Slip sticks in slots in a box

• Cut slots and slits into a box, so sticks can fit through.
• Read the Slip Sticks in Slots in a Box target text (see below) with the children.
• Have the children slip sticks in slots in the box.
• Comment on how the word stick can refer to a thin piece of wood or putting something in a place.
• Have the children write about the activity using target words (e.g., We slip sticks in the box; The box has slots and slits; Sticks go in the slots) and then stick the notes to the box.

Write about the activity

• Read the A Box with Slots target text (see below) with the children.
• Have the children follow the directions in the text (i.e., have the children put a dot on a slot and put sticks in slots).
• Have the children write slot and slit beside the slots and slits on the box; if using flat craft sticks, children can also write stick on the sticks. 
• Help the children list short-vowel words from the text (e.g., box, slot, slit, stick, thin, cut, can, get, dot).
• Have the children write short-vowel words (e.g., box, cut, fit, slot, slit, slip, stick) from dictation.

Identify, blend, and manipulate sounds

• With word-building cards (see below), have the children make new words by changing a consonant or the vowel.
• Change the beginning consonant: fill→ hill, box→ fox, lip→ dip
• Change the vowel: slot→ slit, fox→ fix, stick→ stuck
• Change the ending consonant: slip→ slim, fit→ fin, cut→ cub

Identify vowel sounds

• Stretch out your arms and lengthen the vowel as you say target words (e.g., Fit. f-iiii-t. Fit.).
• Say short-vowel target words (e.g., box, cut, fit, slot, slit, slip, stick) and ask the children what vowel they hear.
• Have the children identify the sounds in the words and write the words.