Long U Matching Puzzle

The long u sound can be spelled in more than one way, like oo in spoon, ew in screw and u_e in cube. This long u matching puzzle activity helps 1st and 2nd grade children hear the long u sound in a word and match it to the letters that spell it. Learning these spelling patterns helps young readers decode new words and spell them correctly.

Children cut out six two-piece picture puzzles. One piece shows a picture, like a spoon, a boot or a flute, and the other piece shows a long u spelling. Every puzzle has the same tab, so children cannot match by shape. They must say the word, listen for the long u sound and think about how it is spelled. Then they write each word on the Sort and Write page.

What’s Included

• A How to Use page with simple steps, materials and prep tips
• 6 two-piece picture puzzles for the oo, ew and u_e spellings
• A Sort and Write page with a word bank and three spelling columns
• A 1st grade practice worksheet with six long u fill-in sentences
• An answer key for the puzzles, the sort and the practice page

Why Long U Puzzles Help Kids Learn

First, matching a picture to its spelling links the sound children hear to the letters they see. Second, sorting the words shows that one sound can have several spellings, which makes reading and spelling less confusing. Third, the puzzles are hands-on and quick, so children enjoy practicing the same patterns again and again.

Ideas for Teachers and Parents

Use the puzzles at a phonics center, in a small reading group or for practice at home. Mix the pieces with another long vowel puzzle for a bigger challenge. This 1st grade long u activity also makes a fun review for second graders. After the long u matching puzzle activity, ask children to find two more long u words in a favorite book and add them to the Sort and Write page.

Related Resources

• Spelling Long U Worksheet
• Long U Worksheet
• Long Vowel U Worksheet
• 44 Sounds of the English Language Video Lesson