Two-Syllable Magic-E Words: “Go Fish” Multisensory Activity

Two-syllable Magic-E words are tricky for struggling readers and require additional practice. Games are a fun way to include extra practice, and students play either in small groups, as a learning center activity, or even during indoor recess. This activity is quick and easy to make and is adaptable to different word lists. Best of all, students love it and forget they are learning and practicing a new skill!

What Are Magic-E Words?

Magic-E words, also known as silent e words, follow a spelling pattern where the final “e” in a word is silent but changes the preceding vowel sound from short to long.

For example, in the word mad, the vowel "a" makes its short sound, but with the addition of a magic "e," the word becomes made, where the "a" takes its long sound. This rule helps students understand how vowel sounds can change based on spelling patterns.

While single-syllable Magic-E words form the foundation, two-syllable words challenge students to apply their phonics knowledge in more complex contexts. Understanding these words helps students decode longer vocabulary and improves their ability to identify syllable patterns within multisyllabic words.

Teaching two-syllable Magic-E words bridges the gap between basic phonics and advanced literacy skills, preparing students for success in future reading and writing.

Magic-E Multisensory Activity

Below is a copy of the word list - print to make the game!

Magic-E Go Fish Game

Setup

1. Use index cards or playing-card-sized pieces of paper to create a deck of playing cards.
2. Number the cards according to the number on the corresponding word list.
3. Write the first syllable of the word on one card and the second syllable of the word on another card. Write the first syllables in one color and the second syllables in another.
4. Once all of the cards are made, you’re ready to play!

How to Play

The game is played like “Go Fish.” Each player is dealt the same number of cards (5 cards each), and the remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The object of the game is to collect the most matches.

Player 1 asks another player if she or he has the desired card. For example, if Player 1 has card 1 “ball”, she might say, “do you have card 1…base?” to another player. If the other player does not have the requested card, Player 1 draws a card from the draw pile and the next player takes his or her turn.

If the player does have the requested card, Player 1 collects the card, sets both cards face-up on the table and reads the word aloud. Player 1 then takes another turn.

Play continues until all cards have been matched. Be sure to give players a corresponding word list so they know which syllables go together to create words.

Additional Two-Syllable Magi-E Words

Here are some additional two-syllable Magic-E words for your next game of “Go Fish”:

• Complete
• Invite
• Refuse
• Decide
• Explode
• Polite
• Disclose
• Inside
• Compile
• Inflate
• Elope
• Define
• Rotate
• Erode
• Recline

Written by Tammi Brandon

Tammi Brandon is a Master Instructor and Education Consultant with Brainspring Educator Academy.

Bring Brainspring Orton-Gillingham multisensory instruction to your classrooms, transforming struggling K-12 readers into skilled learners through our effective, evidence-based approach.

For more information please visit brainspring.com or call 1-8007323211