Japanese Hiragana Code challenge

This activity has been created to develop student familiarity with the Hiragana chart, with the bonus that students may learn new vocabulary along the way!
In the Australian Curriculum , Years 3 and 4 Content Descriptions, under ‘Systems of language’, there is a specific inclusion for students to ‘Recognise the systematic order within the hiragana set’. In the ‘Elaborations’, it is suggested that students ‘learn how to use the character chart as a systematic framework for reading and writing’.
This activity will work best with vocabulary unfamiliar to students.
Students are given copies of the hiragana charts included ( the ‘code’ breakers!) They are then given one of the four vocabulary pages.
Using the charts, they endeavour to ‘sound out’ each word.
The teacher can place a stamp over successful reading efforts.
This could be an individual or pair task. It also works well as an extension activity.
The vocabulary pages are themed
Family members
Pets
School items
Zoo animals

As students become familiar with the chart, removing the romaji letters is the next step. A Stage Two chart is included for such students and to aid in differentiation.