Engage early readers with these interactive and visually appealing CVC Word Puzzles focusing on the short “u” sound (e.g. bug, cub, bud, gum, rug). Each puzzle is thoughtfully designed to support phonics learning, word building, and visual recognition.
What’s included:
- A collection of 19 CVC word puzzles with short “u” vowel sounds
- Each puzzle is split into 3 pieces – one letter per piece (C-V-C)
- A matching image is split across the puzzle pieces
When children arrange the letters in the correct order, the picture forms correctly – providing instant feedback and a sense of accomplishment
Perfect for:
- Phonics practice
- Independent or small group literacy centers
- Early years and KS1 classrooms
- Home learning and intervention sessions
Why it works:
Combining phonics with visual problem-solving, this resource helps children:
- Recognize and spell CVC words
- Understand letter-sound correspondence
- Develop fine motor and sequencing skills
- Build confidence through self-correcting puzzles
Print, cut, laminate, and use again and again!
Notes:
Although there are more CVC words with short “u” sound that could be included, I have selected a set of words that are easier for children to recognize and associate with corresponding pictures.
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Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 25%
A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.
Bundle
CVC Beginning Sounds Clip Card Bundle – Short Vowels (a, e, i, o, u) | Phonics & Fine Motor Skills
Make phonics fun, hands-on, and engaging with this CVC Beginning Sounds Clip Card Bundle! This collection includes five individual sets, each focusing on a different short vowel sound—short a, e, i, o, and u—designed to support early readers in developing phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and fine motor strength. How It Works: - Each clip card displays: -An image representing a CVC word - The ending letters of the word (e.g. _at, _et, _ig) - A missing initial sound, which children select from the included button-style beginning sound cards Using clothes pegs, learners clip the correct beginning sound to complete the word—developing phonics skills while strengthening pre-writing muscles. Colour-Coded for Easy Differentiation: - Each word family (e.g. –at, –an, –op) is colour-coded to support rhyme recognition and pattern matching This visual scaffold helps children identify similar endings and sort sounds with greater independence What’s Included in the Bundle: - 5 complete sets of clip cards with vivid illustrations and CVC word endings - Printable initial sound buttons, colour-coded by word family All files are ready to print, cut, laminate, and use—perfect for repeated practice. Ideal For: - Phonics practice (beginning sounds and blending) - Literacy centres and small group instruction - EYFS, Reception, and KS1 classrooms - Home learning and targeted intervention - Fine motor development through peg-based activity Differentiation Tips: - For lower ability learners: Use a smaller set of cards and only the necessary buttons to limit overwhelm - For higher ability learners: Add more cards and include extra/distractor sounds to increase challenge Why This Bundle Works: - Builds confidence in identifying and blending beginning sounds - Engages learners through tactile and visual learning - Encourages independence with colour-coded visual support - Strengthens grip and hand coordination to support early writing A simple, effective, and reusable resource that combines phonics and motor skills—all in one engaging activity! Print, peg, and play your way to confident early readers. Save 25% with this value-packed bundle!
£4.15
Bundle
CVC Word Puzzle Bundle – Short Vowels (a, e, i, o, u) | Phonics Activities with Images
Support early readers with this complete CVC Word Puzzle Bundle, featuring 5 interactive resources that each focus on a different short vowel sound. Designed to build confidence in decoding and spelling, these hands-on puzzles combine phonics practice with visual problem-solving to create a truly engaging learning experience. Each individual pack includes: - CVC word puzzles centered on one short vowel sound - Split-image puzzles: each puzzle is divided into 3 pieces (one for each letter – C-V-C), and the matching image is also split across the pieces - Self-correcting design – when the letters are in the correct order, the image forms correctly, offering instant visual feedback Short vowels included in the bundle: - Short "a" (e.g. cat, map, jam) - Short "e" (e.g. bed, net, hen) - Short "i" (e.g. pin, sit, wig) - Short "o" (e.g. dog, log, mop) - Short "u" (e.g. sun, cup, bug) Perfect for: - Phonics practice and CVC word recognition - Independent or small group literacy centers EYFS, Reception, and KS1 classrooms - Home learning and targeted interventions Why it works: - Reinforces letter-sound correspondence - Encourages spelling through word building - Supports fine motor and sequencing skills - Offers visual reinforcement and self-checking Just print, cut, laminate, and use again and again! Note: Each vowel set includes carefully selected CVC words that are both age-appropriate and easily matched to clear, child-friendly images. Save 25% with this bundle compared to purchasing each resource individually!
£4.15
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