CVC short a u review worksheet

This free CVC short a u review worksheet gives early readers focused, structured practice with high-frequency lax vowel pairs: short a (/æ/) and short u (/ʌ/).

Targeting pairs like bag/bug, rag/rug, hat/hug, and cat/cub, these four printable pages strengthen decoding automaticity, handwriting, and fine-motor coordination.

Teaching ideas

• Vowel Sorting: Cut out the word cards from Page 1 and have students sort them into a "Short A" column and a "Short U" column.
• Minimal Pair Contrast: Hold up bag and bug side by side. Ask students to say both words aloud and describe how their mouth opens wider for short a.
• Tactile Handwriting: Have students trace each word on Page 2 using two different colored pencils—red for short a and orange for short u.
• Partner Fluency Game: Use Page 4 (Roll and Read) in small groups. Students roll a standard die, read the corresponding row, and check off completed items.
• Home Extension: Send the completed workbook home so families can review the same minimal pairs during reading time.

Simple Bitsboard connection

After students complete the printed pages, reinforce these minimal pairs digitally in Bitsboard using Flashcards, Photo Touch, Pop Quiz, and Letter Match.