Read and Write with R-Controlled Vowel Reading Centers

Reading and writing with r-controlled vowels can be difficult. The majority of first and second grade students experience difficulty with determining when to use ar, er, ir, or and ur. They need practice! Use these digital and printable r-controlled vowel clip cards to create a literacy center or station activity that is sure to engage, entertain, and educate.  

This resource can be used in two ways: 

• For the printable cards, print and place the cards in a center or station along with clothespins. Mark the correct answer on the back of each card. Students can choose the vowel that completes each word by clipping a clothespin on the correct answer. 
• The digital version of these clip cards is even easier to use! Simply assign the clip cards in Google Classroom. Students will nee to open the file in edit mode, not presentation mode. They will move the marbles on each card to cover the correct answers, then type each complete word in the text box.

Through this activity, students will develop the skills needed to read and write higher-level words using r-controlled vowels (ar, er, ir, or, ur)

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your phonics lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this literacy station to enhance learning through guided reading or intervention groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by allowing them build the words using letter tiles, then making their selection on each clip card. Students may also benefit from one-to-one assistance or partner work with this activity. Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, as well as posters and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Challenge your fast finishers to read, write, and discover new and more challenging words using r-controlled verbs. Encourage students to read new texts and identify more r-controlled words. They can use these words in sentences or make anchor charts to display in the classroom.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Number each card.Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answer in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

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

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

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time: