Pop its (or Poppers, Fidget bubbles, etc.) are such the rage that today, I have some suggestions for you – 8 ways to use pop its to engage learners!! Students are always using pop its in the classroom themselves, so why not harness that power and use them for academics?
Pop each Sound in a Word
This is the first way I decided to use pop its for learning with my own students. Popping each sound can help students develop letter sound identification, and practice the phonemics awareness skills of blending and segmenting sounds and words. This really helps to engage learners in reading lessons!
Here is a peek at task cards, which are part of the Pop its Phonics practice resource (for CVC Words) These cards, and the How many sounds? cards help save teachers time in planning your small group phonics lessons or centers. There is also a version with consonant digraphs and bonus letters!
Pop each Syllable in a Word
This is an extension of popping the sounds in a word! Starting as young as kindergarten, students can pop each syllable in a word! First graders, second graders and third graders can pop each syllable in longer words like butterfly or refrigerator.
Pop Digraphs!
Dictate words with digraphs and have students pop one bubble for each digraph in a word (ex.: ch, sh, wh…)! On my personal pop its, I actually wrote digraphs on the bottom row to scaffold for some students. I already have a resource where I did all the work for you, and you can take a peek here!
Pom Pom Sounds
Flip the pop it upside down. A medium size pom pom will fit in each circle. Students place one pom pom in each circle for each sound and then count pom poms (use tweezers for even more fine motor practice). Also do this for syllables!
Here are some cute pom poms that come in assorted sizes. You can find these at Amazon, or get some at Walmart or your local craft store!
Use Pop Its for Spelling Practice
Write a-z on the pop it with permanent marker. Have kids spell words on the pop it by popping the appropriate letters! Here is an example:
Cut the Pop Its Into Ten Frames
Ready for another of the 8 ways to use pop its to to engage learners? Cut out the pop it in 2 rows x 5 bubbles so it is a ten frame! Use the ten frame to practice making a ten with students in math class.
You can also teach repeated addition and / or arrays! Use the ten frame to pop bubbles for arrays.
5 Frames
You can also use cut out a 5 frame and use it for students who need to work on making 5! See my 5 frame under the scissors in the above picture?
Pop It Opinion Writing
Try a writing prompt: should pop its be allowed in school or not? Would you like to get a download of this printable, differentiated opinion writing free prompt that is already set up for you? Click to download it for free or on the image below!
Looking for more ways to engage learners? Check out this post on the blog called Fun Ways to Practice Phonics!
And for more pop it ideas, check out this blog post: 11 More Ways to Use Pop Its in the Classroom!
Do you have your own ideas? Comment and let me know! What is your favorite of the 8 ways to engage learners with pop its?
If you need the links here they are:
