State the Objective
Tell the children that they will run and roll down a red race track while listening for words that start with the /r/ sound, such as race, red, run, and reach.

Literacy Activities 
Race with /r/ actions down the red race track 

• Make a red racing lane on the floor with red masking tape.
• Have the children line up behind the start of a red race track, and point out that red and race start with the /r/ sound. 
• Help the children come up with a team name with /r/ words (e.g., Red Racing Roosters, Rapid Rabbits).
• Explain the rules of the relay race to the children: 
  • The first child will run down to the end of the track and back. 
  • When the first child returns, they will tag the next runner, who will also choose a new runner when they return.
  • The race is over when all the children have had a turn to run.
  • As their teammates race, have the children repeat, “Run down the red race track!”

Repeat the race with new actions

• Instead of running the relay, have the children try these actions during the race:
  • Rolling (somersault or log roll)
  • Hopping on their right foot
  • Relaxing (walking in a calm manner)
  • Reaching as they run

Recognize the /r/ sound

• Say a list of words that start with the /r/ mixed with a few that don’t (e.g., race, red, cat, rabbit, reach, house, right, blue, rest, ride).
• Tell the children to run in place when they hear a word that starts with /r/.
• When you say a non-/r/ word, have the children rest (stand still).