One of the best little tricks-of-the-trade is to capitalize on a student’s interest to keep them engaged in learning the basic skills needed for fluent reading.  Your sports-minded students, particularly your little basketball shooters,  may enjoy the “Swish!” activities for practicing various phonics skills.  I love this activity as it is a fast-paced game and allows for multiple practice opportunities.  To play “Swish!”, simply scatter the balls word side down on the table and have your students take turns choosing a ball and reading the word.  If a player chooses the “Swish!” ball, he/she can choose several more balls.  If a “Penalty” ball is chosen, all the balls must be placed back in the pile and play continues.  Easy to