Phonics Long E Words Spelled ey Turkey Game (Free Printable!)

ey Words

Though thousands of words use y at the end of the word to make the long e sound, sometimes “ey” can be used. This simple game is a fun way to work on words that end in “ey” and make the long e sound with kindergartners and grade 1 students.

Not too long ago, my daughter and I worked on the long e sound at the end of words. We learned that thousands of two-syllable words end in just a y. And when it is a two-syllable word, that y makes the long e sound. (In one-syllable words, the y makes the long i sound.) We worked hard on reading and spelling words like baby, every, memory, and candy. We have also learned that sometimes a word will end with the letter e when using an open syllable. Words like me, he, she, and recipe are the few words that end in the letter e and make the long e sound.

And occasionally, ee will be used at the end of the word to make the long e sound. Three, agree, coffee, and employee are just a few examples.

But today, it was time to learn that sometimes, when a word ends with the long e sound, it can be spelled differently. This week, we focused on words that end with ey and make the long e sound. (Of course, it is essential to note that the ey can also make the long a sound.) But in words like turkey, money, cutesy, and Bluey, the ey makes the long e sound.

Phonics ey words

This game is super easy to prepare.  First, print off the game boards that meet the needs of your students. I recommend using card stock paper for extra durability.  Next, you will need to make a spinner. This can be as easy as a paper clip and pencil or as fancy as a store-bought spinner. 

Now, determine how you want the students to cover up the words.

• You could have them use Do-A-Dot markers.
• Another option would be to laminate and have them use a dry-erase marker to cross off the words.
• Or, you could have them cover the words with blocks or transparent circles.

Long e spelled ey

Here are the directions to play this “ey” as long e game.

1. 1. Player 1 spins the spinner. They then read the word out loud and find it on the chart. Once they find the word, they will then cover it up.
   2. Now, it is player two’s turn. They should spin the spinner, read the word, find it, and cover it up. (This may be a different board.)
   3. Players will take turns until someone gets four in a row. They are the winner.

Before playing, I suggest you review the words with your little ones. Some of them are harder, and they may not know what they mean. Some are simple, like Bluey and Mickey. But then there are words like curtsey, doohickey, and baloney that may trip them up. You get a chance to have a vocabulary lesson too.

ey phonics activities

Anyway, I hope this simple game is fun for your little ones to work on reading “ey” worlds that make the long e sound.