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/er/ Mystery Box

Phonics doesn’t have to be dull drills and worksheets — it can be hands-on, exciting, and full of laughter! That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the “er Mystery Box”, a free, interactive phonics game created especially for Year 1 and Year 2 students learning the /er/ sound.


Perfect for classrooms or at-home learning, this game blends spelling practice, strategy,

and fun — helping children master the /er/ sound spelled er, ur, and ir.

 

What is the "er Mystery Box" Game?

The ER Mystery Box is a two-player game that challenges students to read, spell, and recognize words containing the /er/ sound. Whether it's her, nurse, or bird, this game turns phonics review into a strategic and engaging experience.

 

What You’ll Need

To play, simply print:

  • Page 2: The Mystery Box score board (one for each player). Laminate it if you want to reuse it with whiteboard markers.

  • Pages 3–10: The /er/ word cards (double-sided). Print them back-to-back and cut them out.

 

How to Play the Game

Step 1: Set Up the Cards
Lay out all the word cards face down with the mystery box image facing up.

Step 2: Player Turns

  • Player 1 selects a card (just by pointing).

  • Player 2 flips the card, reads the /er/ word aloud (e.g., fern, turn, shirt).

  • Player 1 writes the word on their score board.

Step 3: Check the Spelling
Player 2 checks the spelling. If it’s correct, Player 1 earns 1 point.

Step 4: Keep or Discard
Player 1 then chooses to keep the card (and adds or subtracts the mystery points shown) or discard it.

Step 5: Switch Turns
Players take turns until all cards have been used.

Winning the Game
Once all cards are gone, tally the points. The player with the highest score wins!

 

Why Kids (and Teachers) Love the "ER Mystery Box"

  • Active Learning: Students don’t just read — they write, spell, and think!

  • Strategic Fun: Choosing whether to keep or discard a card adds excitement and decision-making.

  • Targeted Phonics Practice: All words use the /er/ sound, reinforcing er, ur, and ir spellings.

 

Download the Free Game

Looking for a fun way to reinforce the /er/ sound in your phonics lessons? Download the ER Mystery Box game for free by clicking the button below. At Smart Boarding School, we believe learning should be joyful, meaningful, and memorable. Give this game a try and watch your students light up with enthusiasm while mastering essential phonics skills!

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