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Classroom · Phonics · CCSS RF.1.2b
worksheets for K-1
In a consonant blend you hear both sounds, said quickly together: fl in flag, cr in crab, st in star, nd in hand. These free packs cover l-blends, r-blends, s-blends and ending blends, each with pictures, seven kinds of practice and an answer key.
- l-blendscloud, clock, flag, flower and more
clapclipflagflatflipplan
- r-blendscrab, crown, dress, frog and more
crabcribdropdripfrogfrom
- s-blendssnail, snake, spoon, spider and more
snapsnipsnugspotspinspill
- Ending blendshand, tent, nest, ant and more
handbandsandlandtentwent
Digraphs and blends review
Digraphs and blends reviewDigraph detective, blend builder, an answer key and a Phonics Star certificate.
What is in each pack
- 1. Meet the wordsEight picture words with the sound in color, how to say it, and more words to read.
- 2. Which sound do you hear?Say each picture name and circle the right letters from three choices.
- 3. Match the pictureDraw a line from each picture to its word.
- 4. Fill in the missing lettersWrite the missing letters, then write the whole word on the line.
- 5. Sort the wordsA word bank to read and sort into columns.
- 6. Read, trace and findTwelve words to trace, then three short sentences. Children circle the target words.
- 7. Answer key and tipEvery answer, a teaching tip and the most common mistake to watch for.
How to teach blends
How to teach blends- Build from the end. For flag: say ag, then lag, then flag. Adding one sound at a time keeps both sounds.
- Keep the first sound short. Say c-r, not cuh-r. Long, bouncy sounds add a vowel that is not there.
- Tap the sounds. One finger for each sound. Hand has four sounds: h-a-n-d.
- Group by family. Teach all the l-blends together, then r, then s. The patterns help children guess new words.
- Write what you hear. Children often drop the second sound when spelling (fag for flag). Ask them to say the word slowly as they write.
Common questions
What is a consonant blend?
A consonant blend is two (or three) consonants next to each other where you still hear each sound, such as bl, cr, st and nd. Blends can come at the start of a word (flag, crab, star) or at the end (hand, tent, nest).
What is the difference between a blend and a digraph?
In a blend you hear both sounds (fl in flag). In a digraph, two letters make one new sound (sh in ship). Many children mix them up, so it helps to teach them side by side.
What order should I teach blends in?
Many teachers start with s-blends (the s can be stretched, which helps), then l-blends and r-blends, then ending blends. In the Common Core, 1st grade children blend sounds in one-syllable words, including consonant blends (RF.1.2b).
Can I copy these worksheets for my class?
Yes. The PDFs are free to print and photocopy for classroom and home use, in color or in the black-and-white ink saver. Please link to this page rather than re-uploading the files.
Also: digraphs worksheetsCVC words worksheetsSight words worksheets
