Explore Short I Word Families

Word families, which focus on the onset (the initial consonant or consonant blend) and the rime (the vowel and the following consonants), are a powerful tool in phonics instruction. When students learn word families, they start to see patterns in spelling and pronunciation, making it easier for them to decode new words.

This set of word families flashcards focuses on the short i vowel sound. It contains the following rimes:

• ick
• ish
• ink
• ill
• ing

Two versions of these flashcards are available for download. The first set of cards contains both the word and an accompanying image. This version would be helpful for less confident readers who may benefit from a visual cue. The second set of cards contains the word only.

The flashcards can be used in various classroom activities, from individual practice to group games. Read on for some suggestions from our teacher team!

Using These Short I Word Families Flashcards

These word families flashcards can be used in multiple ways in your phonics lessons. Here are some ideas you may wish to consider:

1. Morning Work – Place a few flashcards on students’ desks as a warm-up activity to start the day with a quick phonics review.
2. Word Sorts – Place all the cards on a table or on the floor. Have students read the flashcards into their respective word families.
3. Nonsense Word Build – Read through the flashcards for a particular word family, then brainstorm a list of nonsense words that could belong to that same word family.

Download to Explore the Short I Sound

This resource downloads as a full-colour PDF (with pictures or without pictures) or editable Google Slides version. Use the Download button above to choose your preferred version.

We recommend printing this resource on cardstock for added durability. Place all the cards into a ziplock bag for safekeeping.

More Activites for Exploring Word Families

Teach Starter boasts a range of activities to help you explore word families with your early years students. Click below to browse some of our offering!

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