Word reading games
Choose a game, or try a different grade.
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
For parents and teachers
Explore word reading across grades. Choose by skill and readiness; the grades are a starting point, and this collection does not cover a whole curriculum.
Each game explains the Common Core connection it supports, or identifies itself as supplemental practice. Schools may teach topics in a different sequence. Read how we choose games.
Kindergarten: Hear it and read it
Hearing a whole word and finding its written form connects spoken language with print. The game uses a small set of short words.
Supports part of Common Core RF.K.3. Children match a spoken word to the whole written word. The game does not teach every letter-sound pattern, and it does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: RF.K.3. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Play Hear it and read it · Free printable
Kindergarten: Read and match
Reading a word means looking at the letters in order and connecting them to a meaning, such as a picture of a cat.
Supports part of Common Core RF.K.3. Children read a whole written word and match it to a picture. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: RF.K.3. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Play Read and match · Free printable
Kindergarten: First sounds
The first sound is the one a word begins with. Sun begins with s, and ship begins with sh.
Supports part of Common Core RF.K.2.d. Children isolate the first sound in a spoken word. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: RF.K.2.d. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Play First sounds · Free printable
Kindergarten: Last sounds
The last sound is the one a word ends with. Cat ends with t. Hearing that sound is separate from reading the whole word.
Supports part of Common Core RF.K.2.d. Children isolate the last sound in a spoken word. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: RF.K.2.d. This is focused practice for part of the standard.