teaching resource

Building Sundaes Game - Vowel Teams (AI, AY, EE, and EA)

  • Updated

    Updated:  07 Nov 2023

Decode words with ay, ai, ea, and ee long vowel teams by crafting cute desserts!

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  1 - 2

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teaching resource

Building Sundaes Game - Vowel Teams (AI, AY, EE, and EA)

  • Updated

    Updated:  07 Nov 2023

Decode words with ay, ai, ea, and ee long vowel teams by crafting cute desserts!

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  1 - 2

Decode words with ay, ai, ea, and ee long vowel teams by crafting cute desserts!

Prepare for a sugar rush without the sticky mess. 😉

To play our Building Sundaes vowel teams game, students will choose a sundae piece, read the word and find the corresponding vowel team sundae board to cover with its matching piece.

A Sweet-As-Can-Be Long Vowel Team Activity

Use this resource in your reading center and as a guided reading or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice decoding words with the following vowel team conventions:

  • ai
  • ay
  • ea
  • ee

Players take turns choosing a sundae piece, reading the word, and identifying the vowel team it uses. Then, they will find the matching vowel team on the game board and cover the piece. Take turns choosing sundae pieces until all of the sundaes are complete! 

Scaffolding and Extension Tips 

Challenge students who already understand the concept to produce rhyming words for each word. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by using an anchor chart or poster as a visual reference while working through each vowel team.

More Ways to Play with Long Vowel Teams 

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🍨 Write the Room (Scoot Activity)

Print an extra sundae card and cut out each one. Hang 4 sheets of chart paper around the room and post a vowel team card above each one. Individually or with a partner, have students rotate around the room, adding a word that uses that vowel team. Words may be used only once.

🍦 Show Me!

This game can be done as a whole-class review activity or with a small group of students. Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project all 4 vowel teams (if needed for reference) and a word piece on the screen. Then, have students write the vowel team used in the word on their board. When everyone has recorded their answer, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support with this skill.

🍧 Swat 

Print an extra sundae card and cut out each one. During small group instruction, lay the vowel team sundaes on the table and give each player a fly swatter. Read the words off the game pieces and have the students swat the vowel team that matches the sound. The first student to swat it correctly gets the game piece and sets it aside to keep score. The student with the most wins. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock and slip the game board into a dry-erase sleeve for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 


This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 


If you’re looking for more ways to practice vowel teams, be sure to check these out! 

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This or That! PowerPoint Game - Vowel Teams

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Vowel Teams Picture Puzzle

Practice decoding words with long vowel team conventions with this 15 piece picture puzzle.

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