What makes vowels so special?

Besides the fact that every word has at least one vowel in it… all vowels have 2 sounds. 

In this activity, students will match long and short vowel sounds to word pictures to complete the puzzle. 

Practice Identifying Short Vowels and Long Vowels 

This resource can be used as a reading center activity, with your guided reading group, or as a full class activity (see below) to practice distinguishing between long and short vowel sounds in words.

The students will identify the vowel sound and cover the matching picture to complete the puzzle. The great thing about this resource is that it is self-checking! When students have finished placing the pieces onto the board, a complete picture is revealed!

More Vowel Sound Activities + Scaffolding and Extension Tips

This resource can be used for individualized practice, especially if you’ve got fast finishers! You can also use this game to create full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more. 

Invite students to use a visual reminder, like their desk plate or an alphabet chart, to sound out words they may struggle with. 

Scavenger Hunt

Hide the vowel sound card pieces 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, repeat the vowel sound on the card, 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! 🤪

Write It Out

This activity can also be used as a formative assessment. Project the picture board and have each student pick 3 words. Students will write the words on a separate sheet of paper and whether each has a long or short sound. Provide a long and short vowel sound visual reference if needed. 

Match Me If You Can

In your guided reading group, give each student 3-5 cards that only they can see. Then, point to a picture on the board and have them say the word as a group. The student who has the matching vowel sound card lays it down face up. The first person to have all their cards face up wins.

Check out 10 helpful scaffolding strategies here! 

A Variety Of Ways to Present This Resource

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. 

Practice identifying long and short vowel sounds with these activities and more! 

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Test your students' long and short vowel sound knowledge with this phonics assessment kit.