Alphabetical Order “War” Card Game: Food Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 5
Coordinating Activities
Alphabetical Order “War” Card Game: Food Theme
- 14 food word cards: apple, bacon, cherry, donut, egg, fish, grapes, hot dog, kiwi, lentils, milk, nachos, orange and peas
- War game instructions
- Recording sheet
Print 3-4 copies of the cards to make a full deck.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink (cardstock works well)
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Pencil
Standards for Alphabetical Order
This card game supports first and second grade literacy standards connected to alphabetical order.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.B: Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words. Kids read each food word.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D: Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet. Kids use the first letter to decide which word comes first.
TEKS for English Language Arts and Reading
- TEKS ELAR 1.2(E): Alphabetize a series of words to the first or second letter and use a dictionary to find words. Kids decide which word comes first in ABC order.
Alphabetical Order “War” Card Game: Food Theme gives first and second grade kids a fun way to practice ABC order to the first letter.
Two players each flip a food word card. The word that comes first in ABC order wins both cards. Kids write their pairs on the recording sheet in order.
The words include blends and two-word foods like hot dog, so kids look closely at the first letter.
How to Use Alphabetical Order “War” Card Game: Food Theme
- Print 3-4 copies of the cards and cut them apart.
- Deal the cards evenly to two players.
- Players flip one card at the same time.
- The word that comes first in ABC order wins both cards.
- Kids record pairs in ABC order on the recording sheet.
Partner Game: Play until one player has all the cards.
Literacy Center: Put the 14 words in ABC order.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Card Game
Every group has a mix of reading and alphabet skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use an alphabet strip.
- Read the words together.
- Use fewer cards.
- Point to the first letter.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play a full game.
- Fill in the recording sheet.
- Read each word.
- Explain each win.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Put all 14 words in ABC order.
- Add words that start with the same letter.
- Alphabetize to the second letter.
- Write new food cards.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name each picture together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use an alphabet strip.
Alphabetical Order “War” Card Game: Food Theme Is Perfect For:
- First grade
- Second grade
- Literacy centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
