Long i Mystery Box

Learning the long i sound can be a tricky task for young readers—but it doesn’t have to be boring. The Long I Mystery Box Game is a fun, free resource designed to make phonics exciting and hands-on for Year 1 and Year 2 students. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or supporting your child at home, this game brings learning to life with a focus on the different ways we spell the long i sound: i, igh, ie, and i_e.

Making Phonics Interactive

Traditional phonics instruction often relies on flashcards or worksheets. While these have their place, games like the Mystery Box offer something different: a chance for students to think, spell, and interact as they learn. This game encourages children to slow down, sound out words, check their spelling, and consider their choices—all while having fun with a partner.

What’s Included

To get started, all you need to do is print:

• A score board for each player (Page 2)

• The set of long i word cards (Pages 3–10), printed double-sided and cut out

You might want to laminate the score boards for repeated use, especially in small group settings or literacy rotations.

How to Play the Long I Mystery Box Game

The rules are easy to follow:

1. Lay the word cards face down.

2. Player 1 selects a card by pointing to it.

3. Player 2 picks up the card and reads the long i word aloud.

4. Player 1 writes the word on their score board.

5. If the spelling is correct, they earn a point.

6. The player then chooses to keep or discard the card—each card includes a point bonus or penalty that adds an element of surprise.

7. Swap turns and continue until all cards have been played.

8. The player with the highest score at the end wins!

Why This Game Works

The beauty of this phonics game lies in its simplicity and versatility. It blends important literacy skills—like decoding, encoding, and phoneme awareness—with decision-making and light strategy.

Here’s what your students are practising while playing:

• Recognising long i words with different spelling patterns

• Writing words accurately

• Engaging in meaningful phonics practice through gameplay

It’s not just about knowing the sounds—it’s about using them in context.

A Free Phonics Tool You’ll Use Again and Again

If you're looking for a low-prep, high-impact activity, the Long I Mystery Box Game is a must-have. It fits beautifully into small group instruction, literacy centres, or even homework tasks.

Download the free game below and bring the long i sound to life for your learners.

At Smart Boarding School, we believe in combining quality teaching with creativity—and this phonics game is just one of the many ways we help young readers thrive.