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.”














Megan C. –
Wonderful resource. Thank you!
Kimberly B. –
My students enjoy these. Thank you!
Stacey A. –
I purchased this to use but my team departmentalized so I do not intend to use this for the current year.
Peggy K. –
I teach K-3 SpEd. This is a great way to differentiate lessons for my students. They are excited and willing to work on their lessons utilizing this tool! Thank you!!!
Shannon B. –
Great resource.
cesteach –
Great resource for distance teaching. She gives you an amazing amount of activities.
Adventures of a First Grade Teacher –
Has been wonderful for word work with my students. Hits on skills that students need!
Janet S. –
This is an excellent resource. Just enough challenge for my students and lots of practice!
sarah carter –
Great resource!
Shameka H. –
Great resource!
Kim Potratz –
Many of my students liked these. They though they were fun. Thanks
Julie M. –
Love these word ladders as a way to differientiate my word work stations!
Nancy F. –
Great resource, thank you!
Jane S. –
Excellent Seesaw resource for distance learning with my intervention students.
Stacy H. –
Thnak you!
Julie M. –
This product worked well with SLIFE students who had no more than a first grade level education in their home countries and it is a great supplemental to the American Reading Co. materials for small group instruction to teach basic letter sound correspondence in a quick easy way.
Planting Little Seeds –
This tool is phenomenal. I’m currently using it online in virtual summer school with kids I’ve never met face to face, and they’re loving it. I’m looking forward to using this in my classroom, too.
Caitlin A. –
Fantastic resource that I will use frequently
Kaleigh R. –
These are super helpful to use in place of some of my centers at school. Thank you so much!
Patty M. –
Thank you! I plan on using this with my students during distance learning this fall.