The “I Have Who Has” game has quickly gained popularity as a fun activity for the entire class. Whether it’s language arts or math, these card sets offer an entertaining way to incorporate learning games into the curriculum. In this article, we will provide simple instructions on how to play the game with the whole class or in small groups. We will also include a list of printable cards that you can start using today!
How to Play the “I Have Who Has” Set of Cards
To save time on preparation, you can invite a parent volunteer to help with laminating and cutting the cards. Some parents prefer to assist in prepping materials rather than playing classroom games with the kids.
Playing this call and response game as a whole class is a fantastic way to review skills, build listening abilities, and foster a positive classroom community. Here’s how to get started:
- Arrange your students in a circle around the room.
- Make sure to distribute ALL cards to ensure the game runs smoothly. Depending on the class size, some students may have more than one card. This presents an excellent opportunity for differentiation.
- If you have a few students who need an extra challenge, you can give them multiple cards. Alternatively, you can pair them with students who may need additional support in following directions or reading the cards.
While calling out the cards, there are several ways to manage your group of students. They can either sit in a circle, stay seated, and read aloud their cards, or they can sit/stand only when it’s their turn. The first player will be the one holding the card that says, “I have the first card.” The game progresses as each student with the corresponding word on their card reads it aloud.
Playing “I Have Who Has” in Small Groups (VIDEO)
Although the “I Have Who Has” game was originally designed for large groups, it can easily be adapted for smaller groups as well. As a Title 1 reading tutor for kindergarten, first, and second graders, I found this game particularly useful in a small group setting.
You can use these card games in an intervention reading group or leave them at a literacy station to incorporate different games. Watch this short video to see how I use the “I Have Who Has” game to practice second-grade sight words.
Tips for Playing with a Small Group:
- Distribute the cards to each player until there are no cards remaining. Each player should have nearly an equal amount of cards.
- Have students lay their cards out flat in front of them so they can see all of them.
- Give them an opportunity to look over all of their words.
- Ask if they need help reading any of their words before getting started.
- The player who has the first card leads the game.
- The player who has the end card will collect all the cards when the game is over.
Once you’ve finished playing, gather the cards and store them until it’s time for another round. Keep your card games organized in zipper pouches or small storage containers like these Iris containers. These containers are incredibly useful for many purposes and should be on every list of school supplies.
Game Cards for Language Arts
I have created a variety of “I Have Who Has” sets of cards to practice basic math skills and basic facts for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Each set includes a starter card, a last card for the final answer, and a game title card. Here are a few of the sets available:
CVC Words Bundle
- Superhero CVC Words
- CVC Words with Pictures
- Short Vowels Bundle
- Short A words
- Short E words
- Short I Words
- Short O words
- Short U words
Alphabet
- Superhero Alphabet
- Back to School Alphabet
- Fall Alphabet
- Halloween Alphabet
- Valentines Alphabet
Sight Words
- Pre-Primer Sight Words
- Primer Sight Words
- Primer Sight Words – Back to School
- First Grade Sight Words – Superhero
- First Grade Sight Words – Fall
- First Grade Sight Words – Winter
- First Grade Sight Words – Valentines
- Second Grade Sight Words – Valentines
- Second Grade Sight Words – Winter
- Second Grade Sight Words – Fall
- Second Grade Sight Words – Superhero
- Colors and Color Words
Math Game Set of Cards
In addition to the language arts sets, I have also created math game sets of cards to enhance numeracy skills. Here are a few examples:
- Numbers to 20 Seasonal Bundle
- Numbers to 20 Superheroes
- Numbers to 20 – Dinosaurs
- Subtraction within 20 – Superheroes
- Subtraction within 20 – Halloween
- Addition within 20 – Halloween
- Addition to 20 – Superheroes
- Shapes – 2D and 3D
- Tens Frames – Numbers to 20
Before you go, here are a few blog posts you may enjoy:
- 5 Tips for Starting Centers in Kindergarten
- 65 Awesome Kindergarten Report Card Comments
- 15 Awesome Teacher Discounts
Conclusion
The “I Have Who Has” game is a fantastic educational tool that engages students in an interactive and enjoyable way. It can be adapted for both large and small groups, making it suitable for different classroom settings. With a variety of sets available, you can customize the game to focus on specific language arts or math skills. So why not give it a try? Start incorporating this fun learning game into your lessons today!