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.”














lisa R. –
I use this resource as an independent activity while I work with small groups.
Delores L. –
This is a great resource that gives students the opportunity to practice phonics skills in a meaningful way.
Sarah T. –
We loved how easy this was to use. It was print and go!
Hailey D. –
Students always enjoyed word ladders after our language lessons
Shelli G. –
I bought these for my struggling readers small group! They loved them.
Diverse Little Learners –
This is an amazing resource! It was very helpful to use during small groups and I plan on using it again this year, thank you!
Heather Volkman –
My class loved doing word ladders. It’s a great way to practice phonics skills.
Christina M. –
Loved this resource, well constructed and easy to use.
Rebecca M. –
Great resource. Students are engaged and challenged.
Lighthouse Digital Solutions –
My students love doing word ladders and word chains! This is PERFECT for independent work time. Thanks 🙂
Mei S. –
Used this for my high flyers as an extension activity
Alexandra Jaworska –
My 2nd-grade students loved this resource! we use it for out daily 5 rotations!
Fun in Firstieland –
These word chains are great for students to practice their phonics skills.
Brittney F. –
This resource was huge and helpful! thank you for putting in multiple versions as well
Randi W. –
My kiddos really enjoy doing word ladders and this was a great addition to centre time!
Jami H. –
Great practice and supplement to our phonics program we currently use.
Jamie M. –
My students loved using this resource! They were engaged and after doing some together in class, they were soon able to use it independently during centers!
Julie P. –
I loved this resource! It was excellent purposeful practice!
Briana N. –
We use this resource all the time! Kids love it because its quick and fun.
Ashley Z. –
Students love learning how to manipulate words to make new ones, and this is a great resource to do so!