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.”














Susan T. –
I had some problems with the items that did not have pictures while teaching live. Love the idea and it was a fun way to teach phonics in another way.
Nidia L. –
My 2nd graders enjoyed it a little more because they are familiar with the word ladders. It will seem less difficult for my 1st graders once they get more practice. I like that they have to think critically to get some of the answers. Highly recommend. Thank you for another wonderful resource that is both printable and Seesaw ready.
Karen P. –
My students loved to complete these!
Dena D. –
Great resource! Great practice for students!
Michele M. –
I can’t wait to use this.
Francesca C. –
Further practice for reading and sentence writing.
Holly P. –
I used this in a small group and the kids were very excited to stretch out the sounds of the words pictured and figure out which one letter changed on each rung of the ladder. I uploaded the activity into Seesaw-SUPER easy-and was able to assign it right away. Some of my students found it hard to write neatly on the line but they loved the activity!
Mrs Shannon Veal –
Great addition to my digital classroom!!!
Primary Pizzazz –
Great resource, thank you!
Leslie M. –
I love every one of the products I have purchased by this seller. Thank you, they are helpful and fun.
tamela H. –
I love it!! I am currently filling in for another teacher and this has been a life saver!!
wendy ozeri –
I put this in my google classroom for my students to practice. I reviewed it first in a zoom lesson first and then posted. My students loved it. Simple to use and set up in GC. I love that they can check their own answers.
Miss Dagan Does Literacy –
These are great for my first graders!
Mellissa M. –
This was a great practice for students to get used to word ladders and I loved that it was self check! My kids loved doing these.
Nancy P. –
Used with my virtual class and it’s a great resource.
terra S. –
My kids love this!
Donna M. –
My students are loving this program. it is easy to use and get it ready for the students.
Jody Bunn –
My students loved this resource.
Teresa M. –
Thank you. My kids love this type of activity
Julie B. –
I appreciated having something I can easily assign in Seesaw. I only wish there were more than one slide per activity, I try to assign as few assignments as possible but would like my students to practice more than one time.