CVC words are three-letter words that follow a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, such as "cat," "dog," and "sun." They are the first real words children learn to decode by blending individual letter sounds together. Mastering CVC words is a major milestone in early reading.
Teach CVC words in families (-at, -an, -ig, -op, -ug). Changing only the first letter makes blending easier and builds pattern recognition.
Have your child touch one finger for each sound: /c/ (pointer), /a/ (middle), /t/ (ring). Then slide all fingers together while saying the word.
Use CVC words that represent real things your child knows: cat, dog, bus, cup. Meaning helps memory stick.
Even 5 minutes of CVC word practice each day builds fluency quickly. Use flashcards, word lists, or our daily lessons.
Short, structured daily lessons designed for ages 4–6.
Start Free LessonDownload a printable practice sheet for cvc words.