More About This Resource
These NO PREP, printable and digital word ladder activities are aligned to the science of reading and will help kindergarten, first and second grade students the master phonics skills and spelling patterns you teach. This resource includes 42 word chains / ladders that can be used all throughout the year. They make an engaging independent literacy center and a meaningful phonics activity for small group instruction. They make a great addition to any word study routine.
These word ladders require students to think critically to figure out the next word to build using the letter or picture clues. They change just one letter to build a new word. As they manipulate the phonemes, students receive immediate feedback using these self-checking phonics activities.
⭐SAVE TIME!! This NO PREP resource has been PRELOADED for you, with 1 click add them to your Seesaw library or Google Drive, then assign to your students!
This resource includes both printable and digital word ladders that will last you the entire year! The digital version has a slider for students to self-check their work. Also included are answer keys to print out and keep in a basket for students to be able to self-check while working on the printable worksheets (color & b/w included).
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42 color Word Ladders -laminate or put in sheet protector for instant literacy center
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42 black & white student printables
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42 Google Slides digital word ladders with self check
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42 preloaded Seesaw word ladders with self check
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short a
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short e
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short i
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short o
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short u
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mixed review short vowels
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l blends
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r blends
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s blends
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final blends
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ch, sh
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th
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ng, nk
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CVCe a_e, i_e
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CVCe o_e, i_e
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CVCe u_e
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ai, ay
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ee, ea
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oa, ow
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_y, igh
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ar
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er
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Ir
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or, ore
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short oo
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long oo
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ow
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ou
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oi, oy
See what other teachers are saying about these Word Ladders / Word Chains Phonics Activities:
“Fantastic resource. Multiple uses. Aligned with the science of reading. Excellent use with small groups and independent work. Definitely recommend.”
“I love using word ladders with my students as an intervention activity, a practice activity, or just for a fun workshop! They are great for students at all levels and are lots of fun!”
“My students loved these! I have found word chains to be very effective for struggling readers. I love the different levels of difficulty, which allows me to challenge the students who find word chaining easy.”
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Shelli S. –
This was a great resource for my students. It kept them engaged, which made my students want to learn.
Lillian H. –
This is a great resource. The students love the activity and were engaged!
Taylor VanBuskirk –
Found these to be a little confusing for many students bc they didn’t know the picture so next year I plan to have a parent helper do this with students.
Learning Something Every Day –
Great resource! It really helped my students better understand these concepts. Thank you!
The Teacher’s Garage –
My students love word ladders. I used these with small groups and find them very effective.
Deanna D. –
These word ladders are perfect for small group activities and independent learning time!
Kathryn H. –
I enjoyed using this resource for my small groups of students who are still working on letter sound mastery and word families
Trisha O. –
Simple to print and use. Can be used in multiple ways.
Shannon P. –
I used to do some like these when I taught 3rd grade and I when I taught 5th grade. I missed them, so when I saw this for 1st grade I was ecstatic. My students love this, and it’s such great practice.
Rebecca S. –
Thank you! Just what I needed for my phonics instruction.
KINDER ‘OHANA –
Downloaded a free sample and my students enjoyed it! Was used for in class practice and homework.
Lesa P. –
This has been an awesome resource to use as an extension for some kids and a review for others. I have loved using it during my small group intervention time. I love how versatile it is and that my students have been able to learn to use the pages independently as the year has progressed.
Tiffany H. –
This resource is such a fun and exciting way to incorporate learning and the students don’t even know they are.
Little Rosebuds –
My students enjoyed this practice. They look forward to it. It is a wonderful step before mix dictation. Thank you!
Erin R. –
I love this resource! We use it for whole group review in the beginning of the year and then for centers. It really helps my students grasp word families, decoding CVC words, and segmenting. Great resource.
Amy S. –
I love this resource! I’ve done word ladders before with students, but not this focused on specific phonics patterns. My students love when they see me pull these out!
Taylor G. –
This resource is a great way to incorporate fun activities into lessons and my students really enjoyed it!
Brooke H. –
My students LOVE these activities! They are very engaged and motivated to learn!
Kris J. –
This resource provides excellent practice that I can assign digitally in my Google Classroom.. I love the variation from pencil and paper to the computer and so do my students!
Dawn G. –
This has been a great resource that I added to my small groups!! Thank you! Love your resources!