Short Vowel Word Game – A Fun Way to Practice Medial Vowel Sounds

Short Vowel Word Game – A Fun Way to Practice Medial Vowel Sounds

Looking for a short vowel word game that your students will actually ask to play again and again? This month, I introduced my Kindergarten and 1st Grade learners to a brand new phonics activity called Peek a Vowel, and it was an instant hit! It’s playful, engaging, and packed with meaningful practice—making it the perfect tool for reinforcing those tricky medial vowel sounds.

Why Use a Short Vowel Word Game in the Classroom?

At the start of the term, most of my students could already segment words, stretch out phonemes, and experiment with inventive spelling. I wanted to challenge them just a bit more while still keeping things fun. That’s where Peek a Vowel, our favorite short vowel word game, came in!

Each page features a hidden vowel in the middle, covered by picture flaps. Students open one flap at a time, say the word (like “bat” or “jug”), and write it in the boxes below—using the middle sound to guide them. By the second picture, they were confidently guessing the mystery vowel in the center!

A Class Favorite All Week Long

We introduced Peek a Vowel on Monday, and the kids begged to play it again every day until Thursday. The element of surprise made it feel like a game, while still supporting real phonics skills. It also helped them pay attention to letter formation, especially the lowercase a and u.

This simple activity is great for literacy centers, morning work, or small group review. Plus, it builds confidence and excitement around spelling CVC words.

Grab Peek a Vowel for Your Classroom

You can get Peek a Vowel in my Teachers Pay Teachers store, or visit my digital products page for more hands-on phonics resources. If your students love discovering patterns, solving puzzles, and practicing spelling in a playful way—this short vowel word game is a must-have!

Let me know if your students love it as much as mine did!

With love and learning,

Teacher Weena