Build Simple Words with Our CVC Word Mat

Use this resource in your reading center, as a guided reading activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice segmenting and spelling CVC words.

This activity is split into 5 sections: First, students will choose a CVC picture card, identify the word and Draw It! Then they’ll Tap It! to isolate each phoneme in the word, Build It! by finding the letter cards for each phoneme, and finally Write It! twice by hand. 

Slip the mat into dry-erase sleeves for durability and sustainability. 

The 24 CVC words identified in this activity are: 

Scaffolding and Extension Tips + More Activities for CVC Words

Challenge students who already understand the concept to produce rhyming words for each CVC word. They can also put the CVC cards in alphabetical order. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by using a visual reminder of letter sounds, like an alphabet chart.

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Number and hang the CVC picture cards around the room, and instruct students to take out a sheet of paper and number it 1-24. Assign students or pairs to a starting point. Students will rotate around the room to write the CVC word on their recording sheet. On your signal (“SCOOT!” or flick the lights, clap twice, etc.), students will move on to a new card. Play continues until all students have written the word for each card. 

👋 Knock Off

Have your students stand up and make a line across the room. Project a card on the screen and use our Random Name Picker widget to draw a student’s name to answer. If the student correctly identifies each letter in the word, they tap the person on their left or right to send them back to their seat. If the student answers incorrectly, they must sit out. Play continues until only 1 student is standing.

👯 Mirror Game

This activity is a spin on the classic “Newlywed Game” and works best with small groups because you’ll need enough dry erase boards and markers for each student. Divide the students into 2 groups and have them sit down in 2 lines facing each other. Read a word from one of the CVC cards. Students will get 10 seconds to spell the CVC word on their board. On your signal, the students turn their boards around so their partner can see their answers. If both students in a pair have the correct answer, they get 2 points. If one has the right answer, the team gets 1 point.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves to turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

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 teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Get in more CVC word practice with these teaching resources and many more: 

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Segmenting and Blending CVC Words Interactive PowerPoint

Practice reading CVC words with your students with our interactive PowerPoint.

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Jurassic Fantastic - CVC Words Board Game

Practice decoding and spelling CVC words with this board game of 27 CVC word cards.

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CVC Beginning and Ending Letters Worksheet Pack

Practice identifying missing beginning and ending sounds and letters in this set of 10 CVC worksheets.