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.”














Rebecca T. –
These are great for my 3rd grade students to work on during small ELA rotations.
Jennifer M. –
These are wonderful and my students really enjoy them. Thank you!
Dominika T. –
Students really enjoy these and they are helpful in building reading and spelling skills.
ClassroomCraze –
I love challenging my students with these word ladders!
Kandace L. –
This resource was used during small group instruction.
Andi Jarzombek –
These word ladders have been a great resource for my students. The pictures are very first grade friendly, even for my students with low vocabulary skills.
julia O. –
My students love this resource. We use for CVC words and sounding out each letter and letter blends.
Shelley M. –
Students love word ladders! I love I can quickly see where extra practice may be needed.
Alexsa Ribler –
Word Ladders are such a fun and clever way to practice word patterns. This is a lifesaver. Thanks!
Kara G. –
These word ladders have been so great. I’ve had several students coming up in upper elementary who have still not mastered their reading skills and the word ladders is a great warm up before we transition students to their main lesson.
Sharilyn M. –
I use these all the time during my reading interventions. Great resource!
Bridget Horn –
My students love completing word ladders as they practice their spelling skills.
Vrendi Will –
I used these across k-4th grade EL students. Exactly what I needed and expected and the students had fun. Also, easily included in sub plans.
Serena Gelinas –
My first grade students loved this activity! Thank you!
Andrea C. –
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Nicole P. –
I use this with my Title reading students; it is a great resource to help them practice decoding.
Diana O. –
The ladders are perfect for small group and are a great resource to use in my small reading groups.
Erica Usery –
This was very engaging and my students loved it. Thank you for creating a wonderful product.
Marsha I. –
well written, engaging activities, nicely presented
Sharla W. –
My students and I loved using this resource! Thank you so much!