Turn alphabetical order (ABC order) practice into a fast-paced game your students will beg to play again and again!

The Alphabetical Order “War” Card Game turns a sometimes-boring literacy skill into hands-on fun that’s perfect for small groups, centers, or independent review.

With 12 colorful ABC order decks, each focusing on different levels of alphabetizing, this alphabetical order card game grows with your learners and keeps them engaged every step of the way.

From simple first-letter ABC order comparisons to more challenging third-letter and even sixth-letter alphabetical order match-ups, this card game pack is packed with flexible options and just enough silly animal flair to keep things light-hearted and fun.

What’s Included in the Alphabetical ABC Order War Game?

This easy-to-prep alphabetical order card game center includes:

• 12 ABC order themed decks featuring colorful animal borders and increasing difficulty
• 132 vocabulary word cards with a wide range of CVC, blends, sight words, numbers, colors, and family terms to practice alphabetical order
• Storage labels for each set to make organizing your cards a breeze
• Printable recording page for optional extension work and alphabetical order assessment
• Teacher instructions for gameplay and differentiation ideas
  

Each ABC order deck builds on the last, making it easy to scaffold alphabetizing practice across your whole class!

Skills Addressed in the Alphabetical ABC Order Card Game:

Primary Academic Skills:

• Alphabetizing to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd (and beyond!) letter
  Students learn to compare words letter-by-letter, which strengthens both vocabulary and phonics awareness.
• Sight word fluency and vocabulary growth
  Each alphabetical order card game set reinforces early reading and word recognition with real, high-frequency and thematic vocabulary.
• Phonological awareness and decoding
  Sorting and comparing words sharpens decoding and letter-sound connections.
• Visual scanning and comparison
  Students learn to scan for differences and identify patterns as they analyze word order.
  

Secondary Skills (SEL & Life Skills):

• Turn-taking and fairness
  Kids practice sharing, following rules, and playing respectfully with others.
• Patience and flexible thinking
  Alphabetical Order War-style play encourages students to adapt quickly and stay focused through wins and ties.
• Organizational skills
  Alphabetical order card game deck labels and recording sheets help kids stay organized and keep track of their learning.
• Confidence and independence
  The bright, playful format of the alphabetical order card games encourage students to take ownership of their literacy skills.
  

How to Play Alphabetical ABC Order War:

• Divide one deck evenly among 2–4 players.
• Each player places their stack face-down.
• On each turn, players flip the top card and compare the words.
• The word that comes first alphabetically wins the round and takes all the cards.
• If it’s a tie (words starting with the same letters), play a “War”! Each player lays three cards face-down, then flips the next card, compare those to determine a winner!
• Continue until one player has all the cards or time runs out.
  

Optional extension:

Choose 10 cards from a deck, put them in ABC order, and write them on the included recording page for extra reinforcement.

How and Where to Use This Alphabetical ABC Order Card Game:

• Literacy centers or guided reading warm-ups
• Partner games during word work time
• Early finisher tubs or fast finisher folders
• RTI and small group instruction
• Special education and speech-language therapy
• Homework or take-home practice
• Substitute-friendly literacy center
• ESL/ELL vocabulary support
  

This ABC order card game set is perfect for classroom teachers, homeschoolers, reading specialists, and interventionists who need hands-on, skill-building review that doesn’t take hours to prep.

Standards Alignment:

✔ Common Core ELA Standards:

• RF.1.1 and RF.2.1: Recognize the features of print and demonstrate understanding of word order
• L.K.6, L.1.6, L.2.6: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations and reading
• L.2.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words
• L.3.4: Use context and reference materials to clarify word meaning

Check out what other educators are saying:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Carrie D. wrote, “My students enjoyed playing 'war'. They were engaging and easy to prepare. Thanks you so much!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tiffany L. wrote, “A great resource for solidifying the concept. Thank you!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shannon B. wrote, "My students really enjoy this! It took all the moaning and groaning out of ABC Order. Thank you!"

Ready to make alphabetizing more fun than ever?

Grab this Alphabetical ABC Order War Card Game and bring excitement and engagement to your next literacy block!

Please note: This is a digital download that will be available to you directly after purchase. Nothing will be mailed to you.

You will receive a link to the download in three places:

1. On the 'thank you' page after checkout
2. In your email
3. Login on the site here: https://lifeovercsstore.com/account