CVC short u worksheet

This free CVC short u worksheet pack gives preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade learners structured practice reading and writing six foundational short u (/ʌ/) words: bug, bus, cub, mug, rug, and sun.

Because bug and bus share the same initial b-u letters while changing only the final sound, students learn to inspect the entire word rather than guessing from the beginning consonant.

Teaching ideas

• Compare bug and bus: Point out that b-u-g and b-u-s look almost identical until the final letter, making them an ideal warm-up pair on Page 1.
• Spot the -ug Rime: Have students find bug, mug, and rug, then read bus, cub, and sun to practice different ending consonants.
• Trace and Write: On Page 2, guide students to say /b/ - /ʌ/ - /g/ while tracing each letter and then read the completed word aloud.
• Roll-and-Read Fluency: Use Page 4 with a single die for partner reading centers or take-home fluency practice.

Simple Bitsboard connection

Pair this printable worksheet pack with our online CVC short u phonics games or practice the same words in the Bitsboard app using Flashcards, Photo Touch, Missing Letter, and Pop Quiz.