CVC Stretch and Blend Cards Free Download for Phonics Blending Practice

This CVC Stretch and Blend Cards Free Download includes phonics-based cards designed to explicitly teach students how to blend sounds together to read CVC words. Each card visually breaks the word into parts, such as c – a – t, before guiding students to blend the sounds together to read the whole word cat.

Students first blend the first and second sounds together (ca) before adding the final sound. This step is critical for early readers because blending too many sounds at once can be overwhelming. By securing the first blend, students are more successful when adding the final sound and reading the whole word smoothly.

This routine supports accurate decoding, reduces guessing, and builds confidence. Students are encouraged to say the word again at the end to reinforce fluency and word recognition.

Ideas for use:
• Use during explicit phonics instruction
• Add to small-group blending practice
• Incorporate into intervention or decoding review
• Use as an independent phonics center
• Send home for additional blending practice

What’s Included:
• CVC stretch and blend cards
• Step-by-step blending visuals
• Sound-by-sound decoding support
• Student-friendly phonics practice cards