23. Four in a Row: /ɜː/ ‘ur’ Word Game

A strategic reading game for phonics, vocabulary and morphological fluency

This Four in a Row game targets the /ɜː/ sound spelled ‘ur’, using real multisyllabic and morphologically rich words. Learners take turns reading words aloud and claiming squares in an effort to connect four — across, down, or diagonally. Word knowledge, decoding fluency and pattern recognition all in one easy-to-print game.

Designed for 1:1 tutoring, home learning or small group use.

🧩 Words included:

Includes curtail, cursor, blurted, and 20+ other ‘ur’ words with real-world spelling patterns and rich vocabulary links.

✅ Learning focus:

• Reinforces decoding of /ɜː/ words with the ‘ur’ spelling

• Builds vocabulary and morphological awareness

• Encourages collaborative play and strategic thinking

• Flexible for use in reading warm-ups or fluency intervention

🖨 What’s included:

• 1 printable Four-in-a-Row board (PDF)

• Clear instructions for how to play

• Easy to use with counters, highlighters, or annotation tools

• No additional setup required

Recommended age:

KS1–KS2 (or any learner working on the /ɜː/ phoneme)

Format:

PDF download – colour game board

Use:

Home education, tutoring, phonics warm-up, spelling intervention

Licensing notice:

This product is licensed for individual or single-teacher use only. No redistribution or uploading allowed.

Copyright: Joanna Whale, Great Expectations Education.