Practice Differentiating Short Vowel Sounds and Long Vowel Sounds

Identifying long and short vowel sounds is a necessary phonological awareness skill your students need to be able to sound out and spell words.  

But it doesn’t have to be dull! 

These task cards provide students with the opportunity to differentiate between short and long vowel sounds in a fun and interactive way.

To play, the students will use a blue manipulative to cover words with short vowel sounds and a red manipulative to cover words with long vowel sounds. 

This download includes two versions of this game. You may like to vary the versions given to your students, depending on their current decoding skills.

• Version 1: Picture cards (no decoding required)
• Version 2: Word cards (basic decoding required)

Adapt This Resource To Meet Your Students’ Needs

Use this resource as an English group activity or with your whole class to explore various long and short vowel sounds.

There are various options when it comes to using this resource in the classroom, as outlined below.

Independent Practice

Students work independently to say each word aloud and place the correct manipulative over each square on the card.

Small Group

Students work together in a small group setting to complete the activity, preferably with adult support.

Whole-Class

Project a card onto your interactive whiteboard. Work through a selection of cards together as a class.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the task cards on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a Teach Starter collaborator.