Create a Word Chain, One Phoneme at a Time!

The ability to distinguish and manipulate the distinct sounds in words is a fundamental aspect of phonemic awareness.

This space-themed worksheet allows students to manipulate phonemes to create a continuous word chain. Students need to start at the top of the word chain and read the first word given. They must then work out what letter is missing in the following words to complete each word and create a word chain. An example of a word chain is bus, bud, bed, red.

The download includes:

• A 3-letter worksheet containing three separate word chains
• A 4-letter worksheet containing three separate word chains
• An answer key

Studies show that word chain activities should use real words only. Therefore, this resource does not contain any nonsense words.

Word Chaining Scaffolding and Extension

• Support students who may need additional scaffolding by helping them to brainstorm the possible next word in the word chain.  
• Challenge more-capable students by asking them to continue each word chain by changing one phoneme at a time.

Easily Download & Print

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

As this resource contains an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy, then photocopy the desired number of worksheets for your class.

You might also like to print a few copies on cardstock, then slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Alternatively, project the worksheet onto your interactive whiteboard for a paperless lesson!

This resource was created by Liamarie Del Valle, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.