10 Low-Prep Word Work Activities for K-1
Word work is an important piece of the “learning to read” puzzle. For a long time, I struggled with wanting my word work options to be engaging and hands-on, but also low-prep. Over the years I came up with several word work options that meet all of my qualifications: engaging and standards-based, hands-on, and low-prep. Read about some of my fave options to use in small groups (as quick word work warm ups) and literacy centers below.
These word work pages can be used with any words your class is currently working on (phonics pattern words, heart words, sight words, vocabulary words, sound wall words, word wall words, etc.) and they’re super low prep- just print and go! Use them as they are, or stick them in a dry erase sleeve to let students complete over and over.
These are basically the same as above- just holiday themed with fun pages for each month of the school year! My students LOVE seeing the pages change each month.
These word work pages can be used with any words your class is currently working on (phonics pattern words, heart words, sight words, vocabulary words, sound wall words, word wall words, etc.) and they’re super low prep- just print and go! Use them as they are, or stick them in a dry erase sleeve to let students complete over and over.
This is one of my students’ all time favorite word work games. They play individually, with a partner, in our small groups, or as a class (students vs. teacher).
It’s super easy to edit (type and print), and super easy to prep (slice and go). You can read more about how to play it HERE.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a student who hated Play-Doh! These print and go boards can be put in a dry erase sleeve so that students can use them over and over, plus there are phonics skill cards for cvc words, silent e words, digraph words, beginning blend words, vowel teams, diphthong, and r-controlled vowels- so you can use these all year long!
5. Editable Word Work Builders
My littles always love these because they’re hands-on, and they get to “play” while doing word work. The best part about this resource is that it’s super easy to prep- just type your words in (phonics pattern words, heart words, sight words, vocabulary words, sound wall words, word wall words, etc.), print, stick them in a tray with snap cubes, pattern blocks, Play-Doh, Legos, or pom-poms, and you’re good to go!
These print and go boards can be put in a dry erase sleeve so that students can use them over and over, or they can be printed regulary so that students can play and color on them.
There are over 23 phonics skills included, so this is a word work option that can also be used all year long!
7. Phonics Find It
This fun 5-in-a-Row game can be played individually or with a partner, and it is color-coded so that it stays organized for the years to come! It focuses on 8 different phonics skills.
There are also black and white ink-saving options included in this pack. I’ve printed these out and stuck them in dry erase pockets so that students can play them over and over.
Orthographic mapping is essential for young readers and spellers! These mapping mats come with lots of different fun themed versions for the different seasons, and they also come with word building cards for lots of different phonics skills. Use these in small groups or stick them in your word work center.
My students love working at the large pocket chart sorting center. I keep my sorting cards in fun monthly-themed bins (pumpkin shaped bin in the fall, heart shaped bin in February, etc.) and I change out the focus based on what skill we are currently working on in our classroom. There are tons of skills included in this pack.
This resource also includes black and white ink-saving cards.
10. Monthly Themed Word Sorts
This is a class favorite each year for sure. I quickly print our recording pages and stick them in dry erase sleeves, then I stick our phonics focus words in a monthly-themed sensory bin for students to “hunt” and sort. This is highly engaging, but also low-cost and low-prep.
Spring Word Sort Valentine Word Sort Lucky Word Sort Spooky Word Sort
If you’re wanting to know more about how I introduce and manage this the Word Work literacy station (and my other stations) in my classroom, visit this link to get a closer look.
