State the Objective

Tell the children that they will mix and pick up sticks and that they will read and write short-i vowel words, such as mix, big, pick, stick, and quick.

Literacy Activities

Introduce target words

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

Mix sticks

• Read the Mix the Sticks target text (see below) with the children.
• Give each of the children a craft stick and let them draw on it with a pink crayon or marker.
• Have the children label their stick (e.g., Big Stick, Pink Stick).
• Let the children take turns mixing up the sticks and picking a stick.
• Ask the children, “What stick did you pick?”

Play pick up sticks

• Read the Play Pick Up Sticks target text (see below) with the children.
• Have the children hold several sticks in their hands.
• Let the children take turns dropping the sticks and picking one up.

Write sentences using target words and phrases

• Tell the children to write short sentences using target words.
  • I will pick a ____ (stick).
  • Did you ____   (pick) up a stick?
  • I will ____ (mix) the sticks.
  • My stick is ____  (big).