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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The rockin’ math teacher –
Excellent practice for my kids. So creative and engaging
Amy C. –
One of my favorite resources I have purchased in several years! Word ladders are so beneficial and they are presented in a fun way! My students can’t wait to do one each day.
The Blue Crab Teacher –
I have used this as a choice for literacy time. Great practice! Thank you!
Nichole O. –
I was trying to create a resource like this over the summer. I am glad I found this one! It saved me so much time!!
Angie Foster –
This worked well with my small reading group.
Cooney Bird Creations –
My child needed some practice with word building/substituting/ect. These are great for her to use and quick enough that she doesn’t complain that I am giving her extra work!
celia h –
Love these! We have done these whole group and I have assigned them to students as individual practice during our remote learning.
Joni M. –
My students love doing these word ladders! I used it in class and distance learning packets.
Lisa K. –
Fantastic product and word lists! So easy to assign and check students work thank you
Michelle L. –
My students love doing Word Ladders.
Erin L. –
We are using these while screen sharing while zooming as part of our phonics instruction. The students write the words on their white boards. They are excellent!
Kerri S. –
During distance learning, this was a great activity to use with my students during our synchronous learning time.
Kim E. –
I wanted something I could use in phonics small group that would help my striving readers, this is perfect.
Andrea Rees –
Word ladders are a great tool for word building. Without pictures at each level however, it was too hard for many of of my students. The reason could be due to their being a little behind from distance learning. I am using this with my higher level students.
michelle R. –
Great resource
4 Ever a Teacher –
These have been so helpful. Thank you so much!
JoAnna B. –
Great resource!
Rose Loiacono –
Good for my small groups!
Busy Bee’s Classroom –
My students enjoyed a new way to discover and read words. They enjoyed participating and seeing how the letters work to build a new word.
Lynsey N. –
My student’s a really enjoying this while when we practice making words. It really makes the kids think about the sounds they need to make the word.