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).
-
42 color Word Ladders -laminate or put in sheet protector for instant literacy center
-
42 black & white student printables
-
42 Google Slides digital word ladders with self check
-
42 preloaded Seesaw word ladders with self check
-
short a
-
short e
-
short i
-
short o
-
short u
-
mixed review short vowels
-
l blends
-
r blends
-
s blends
-
final blends
-
ch, sh
-
th
-
ng, nk
-
CVCe a_e, i_e
-
CVCe o_e, i_e
-
CVCe u_e
-
ai, ay
-
ee, ea
-
oa, ow
-
_y, igh
-
ar
-
er
-
Ir
-
or, ore
-
short oo
-
long oo
-
ow
-
ou
-
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.”
Reload document 
Open in new tab
Darcy H. –
The students love it, but it is very easy for second grade. I think first graders would love it or second grade title one students.
Jessica O. –
Plan on using these every week next year when I am back to in the class learning
Daniela R. –
This resource was very easy to use with my students while teaching remotely.
Alexis W. –
My students loved this product they ask when are we doing another ladder. The picture clues are easy for them to identify and they love the self check!
Christine S. –
This is a fun way to get in extra phonics practice! My kids love them!
Ken D. –
Nice resource!
Rugrats Inc –
This resource, like all your activities, is so thoroughly thought out and engaging….. the kids absolutely love them. Thank you! 🙂
Sarah L. –
The kids have been engaged in this and love trying to figure out the next word.
Casey Y. –
I use this resource during live instruction with small groups based on their learning needs. I can tell how well they can manipulate phonemes based on how they respond to each prompt. Students use a whiteboard and hold it up to show me what they think comes next.
Erin D. –
My students enjoyed this resource.
Jaime A. –
My students love using this resource as their Google Classroom activity during their workstations. It is great way for me to have feedback on their activities during independent work times.
M J. –
My students are enjoying these word ladders. I love the option of them being both printable and digital.
Jessica Heiberger –
Great for distance learning!
Deaf Ed Materials –
This was a great activity to fill extra time and increases critical thinking.
Suzanne W. –
This resource was very easy to put into Seesaw. I really liked that it was in color. My kids could identify the pictures and complete the work without help.
Tracy K. –
Great purchase! So easy to assign in Seesaw! Thanks!
Kendra P. –
This has been a decent resource to use with my students.
Molly K. –
Wonderful resource! Thank you!!
Inspiring Growing Minds –
I’ve used this with students I tutor and it has been great so far! Thank you!
Tracy B. –
Lifesaver for word work activities during distance learning.