CVC words (consisting of a consonant, vowel, consonant) are part of your students’ first set of decodable words. 

In this activity, students will match words to pictures to help them isolate sounds and build their reading confidence. 

How to Play This CVC Word Picture Match

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

To play, students will read each CVC word and find the matching picture to fill the parking lot. 

Scaffolding and Extension Tips + More CVC Word and Picture Matching Card Activities

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

Students who need the added challenge can sort with CVC word cards into alphabetical order. 

If students need more support with words they struggle with, encourage them to use a visual reminder like an anchor chart or alphabet display. 

Letter Clips 

This version is especially helpful for those students who are struggling to match the letters of the alphabet with words. Gather 26 clothespins and write 1 letter of the alphabet on each one. Students will use the clothespins to spell the word, sounding out each letter at a time to match letters to their phonemes.

Rime Sort

Use the cards to match up word families! Students will look for words with the same rime sound at the end of the word (eg, pen and ten, pan and fan). Then have students sort the word cards by their onset. 

Scavenger Hunt

Hide the CVC words around the room when your students are not around and put the picture card in the center of the room. Then set your students loose! As soon as they find a piece, they bring it up to the picture card, read the CVC word, and put it on the matching picture. NOTE: You may want to make a rule of only 1 student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy. 🤪

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

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. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down 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. 

Have fun playing with CVC words while getting in reading practice with these new resources: 

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Practice decoding 11 different CVC words with this word card and picture game board set.