My Silly Whacky Word Machine

I do not know how nonsense word practice goes for you (if you, too, are a part of the DIBELS parade) but some years my kinders can't wrap their brains around it.  (I have very mixed feelings about how appropriate this is, as well.)  This year - I have a group of kinders who keep trying to transform those nonsense words into real words.  Makes good sense to me! Meaningful and related to real life - BUT not what the assessment is looking for.

So to help make clear that nonsense words are just that - complete nonsense - I created a "Silly Whacky Word Machine."  (Inspired by Dr. Suess!)    I decorated a large manilla folder with some random things and cut off the end with the flap.   I printed up a bunch of nonsense words and put them neatly in my silly whacky word machine.  During whole group and I told the children I had a little machine that made words that were not real words and would they like to help me say them.  First, I reveal one letter at a time and then we try to say it.

I had an idea to add an occasional "real" word and when I reveal it say something like, "Hey, that isn't a silly nonsense word!  You don't belong in this machine.  Better make sure my machine is working right."  I would pretend to tinker with my machine. :P

I typed up the set for you.  :)  And I even had an inspiration to make a cover for you to put on the folder!  Add a button for the machine's on switch!

Silly Whacky Word Machine


Enjoy!