Phoneme Substitution Worksheets for CVC Words

The ability to distinguish and manipulate the distinct sounds in words is a fundamental aspect of phonemic awareness. When learning this skill, it is best to begin with some of the easiest words in our language – CVC words (consonant, vowel, consonant).This set of differentiated worksheets provides students with the opportunity to manipulate the phonemes in short vowel CVC words to create new words. Students change either the beginning or ending sound to magically transform a word into an entirely different one!

For example: The word ‘rug’ becomes ‘mug’ when the initial letter r is changed to the letter m.

How to Differentiate These Phoneme Substitution Worksheets? 

We understand that there is a huge range of diverse learning abilities in any early years classroom and that catering to every child’s needs is never easy! That is why we have provided not two, not three, but FOUR differentiated versions of each short vowel sound in this phoneme substitution worksheet pack, allowing you to cater to above-level, on-level and below-level learners… and anything in between! Each set of worksheets has subtle differences, as outlined below:

• Option 1: Students look at the picture and read the word. They manipulate the beginning or ending sound to create the new word shown by the picture, then write the word in the boxes provided.
• Option 2: Similar to Option 1; with the inclusion of a letter bank at the bottom of the page for students to draw from when writing the new word.
• Option 3: Similar to Option 2; with the letter that needs to be changed on the initial word underlined to provide additional support to students.
• Option 4: Students look at the picture and read the word. They manipulate the beginning or ending sound to create a new word of their choice. No image is provided.

Answers for all worksheets are also provided.

Multiple Applications for This CVC Spelling Worksheet

This set of CVC spelling worksheets has been designed to complement your phonics program. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

• whole-class instruction (via a smartboard)
• guided literacy groups
• independent practice or extension
• homework.

Download this Phoneme Substitution Worksheet Pack Today

Use the dropdown arrow next to the Download button to access the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheets for students to complete.

Don’t forget to consider more sustainable options for delivering this resource, such as digital lesson delivery.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Manipulating Phonemes Resources for the Classroom

Looking for more resources to help students manipulate phonemes like a pro? We have you covered…

teaching resource

Phoneme Manipulation Interactive Task Cards

Practise phoneme manipulation with your students using this fun and engaging interactive activity.

teaching resource

Manipulating Phonemes Activity

Help students practise manipulating phonemes with this manipulating phonemes activity - a spoonful of fun!

teaching resource

Sound Manipulation Word Ladder Activity

Develop your students' phonological awareness with this phoneme substitution word ladder activity.