Helping your child learn to read can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be!
One of the best ways to start is by focusing on CVC words—simple three-letter words made up of a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern (like cat, dog, sun).
These short words help kids understand how letters work together to make sounds and build confidence in early reading.
We believe learning should be fun, flexible, and family-friendly.
That’s why we’ve put together 10 creative, hands-on ways to teach CVC words right from the comfort of home.
No special training or fancy tools are needed—just a few simple supplies, a little imagination, and your child’s natural curiosity.
1. Build Words with Magnetic Letters
Grab a set of magnetic letters and a baking tray or fridge door.
Say a CVC word (like hat) and help your child find the letters to build it. Sound out each letter together: “/h/ – /a/ – /t/… hat!”
Tip: Start with familiar words and add picture cues to help with understanding.
2. Make DIY Word Puzzles
Create puzzles by writing CVC words on cardboard and cutting them into three pieces—one for each letter.
Mix them up and ask your child to put the word back together.
Bonus: Draw or glue a picture on the back so they can self-check once it’s assembled.
3. Play CVC Word Bingo
Make or download a simple bingo card filled with CVC words or pictures.
Call out the words or show flashcards, and your child covers the correct square.
4. Go on a CVC Treasure Hunt
Hide CVC word cards or picture clues around your home.
As your child finds each one, ask them to sound it out and read it aloud.
You can even turn it into a timed challenge for extra excitement!
5. Hop and Sound Out
Use chalk outside or paper indoors to make a simple letter path (C – V – C).
Say a word like sun, and have your child hop to the letters in order, saying each sound as they jump.
It’s reading and movement rolled into one.
6. Sing Silly CVC Songs
Put CVC words into songs using familiar tunes like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Bingo.”
🎵 Example:
There was a cat who wore a hat,
And CAT was his name-o!
C-A-T, C-A-T, C-A-T,
And CAT was his name-o!
Songs help with memory, rhythm, and making reading fun.
7. Put on a Puppet Show
Give each puppet or stuffed toy a letter sound.
For example, one puppet says “/d/,” the next says “/o/,” and the last says “/g/.”
Together, they say “dog!” Your child can even make their own puppets from paper bags or socks.
8. Create CVC Word Art
Let your child choose a CVC word and create artwork around it.
For example, for “pig,” they could draw a pig, use pink paint, and write the word underneath.
Make a new masterpiece each day and display them on the wall.
9. Cut and Paste Word Matching
Print a worksheet with pictures and scrambled letters.
Have your child cut out the letters and glue them under the correct image to spell the word.
10. Build CVC Words with Lego Blocks
Turn your child’s favorite building toy into a powerful learning tool!
Write individual letters on small Lego bricks using a whiteboard marker or sticky labels.
Then, show your child a picture (like a cat, dog, or sun) and challenge them to build the matching word by snapping together the correct letter blocks.
As they build each word, sound it out together: “/c/ – /a/ – /t/… cat!”
Bonus: This activity strengthens fine motor skills, encourages problem-solving, and adds a tactile, hands-on element to early reading practice.
11. Get Creative with CVC Word Art
Combine creativity with literacy by encouraging your child to draw or colour pictures of CVC words like dog, hat, or bus, then write the word underneath.
This reinforces the connection between spoken sounds, written letters, and real-life objects.
For a fun variation, help your child create a mini “CVC Word Book” by folding paper into a booklet and dedicating one page to each word—with a drawing and the word clearly labeled.
It’s a great way to build a personal word collection and take pride in their learning progress!
11 Fun & Easy Ways to Teach CVC Words at Home
You don’t need to be a teacher to help your child build strong reading skills.
With these fun and simple activities, you’ll be supporting their phonics journey every step of the way—through play, creativity, and connection.
Start with just one or two activities this week and build from there.
Your child will love the variety, and you’ll love watching their confidence grow.
📸 We’d love to see your CVC fun! Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @cvcathome or use the hashtag #CVCAtHome.
