Contractions Dots and Boxes | Phonics and Fluency Literacy Centers and Games

Introducing a no-prep, print and go partner activity that combines fun and education! This classic game with an educational twist focuses on practicing the use of words with contractions.

To begin, pair up students according to your classroom needs. Each student should have a colored pencil or crayon, ensuring that partners have different colors. Both players will share one game sheet while each player will need their own recording sheet.

The game involves taking turns drawing lines to connect two dots, either vertically or horizontally (no diagonal lines). When a player finishes the fourth line of a box, they will color in the word within that box using their chosen color. The objective is to create as many boxes as possible while limiting the number of boxes your partner can make. The player with the most boxes at the end wins!

On the recording sheet, students will keep track of the words they color. When writing the words, students will combine the two words to form a contraction and read it aloud to their partner.

Additionally, there is an optional sentence writing sheet available to further enhance the learning experience.

Have a blast while reinforcing contractions with this engaging partner activity!

Included in this resource:

• will, not
• have, has
• had, would
• am, is, are
• Contraction Mix Up
• Contraction Mix UP
• Contraction Sentences

When can I use these games?

•Put the game in a literacy station or center.

•Working on blends with your targeted small groups? Finish group, send partners to the floor, give them a timer and let them play for 10 minutes before beginning their literacy centers!