Phonetic Level 1 Set: Cardstock
Rooted in Neurodevelopment-
See the Guided Lesson Plan
High quality materials
Eco-Happy
Fun & Engaging Activities
Ages/Stages
Common Core
Our Phonetic Level 1 Set: Cardstock has the same 30 short-vowel CVC and VC words (like cat, dog, and ax) and the same photos as our laminated Phonetic Level 1 Set, printed on heavyweight cardstock at a lower price. Students sound out each word label, match it to its photo, and check their own work with the control cards.
The difference is how they're made: these cards are not laminated and the corners are square rather than rounded. They're an affordable option for home or occasional use. Level 1 is the pink series. Every word is fully phonetic, and every photo shows something students most likely already know, so new vocabulary doesn't get in the way of a beginning reader.
What's included
- 90 cards: 30 CVC and VC phonetic words in 3-part format (a photo card, a word card, and a control card for each word)
- Five packets (1A–1E) of six words each, 18 cards per packet
- Short vowels a, e, i, o, and u spread throughout the set
- Photos of familiar things, so there are few vocabulary roadblocks
- Cards are approx. 3¾" x 4¼" control cards, 3¾" x 3" photo cards, and 3¾" x 1¼" word cards
- Printed on heavyweight cardstock (not laminated), with square corners
- Sturdy, clear reclosable bag for storage
- Lesson plan included, with suggested word groupings
See what's in each packet on our laminated Phonetic Level 1 Set page.
Add our pink 3-pocket foldover cloth pouch to display one packet at a time.
Created by a Montessori teacher. Eco-printed in our rural New England office.
Made in the USA. CPSIA compliant.
Note: Photos may change from those pictured.
Why do phonetic 3-part cards matter for reading?
Practice makes reading easier, and eventually automatic. Beginning readers want to read, and this format shows them they can. The photos are a scaffold: they help students figure out how to pronounce each label. The control cards let students find and fix their own errors, which is how humans learn best. No teacher correction is required.
How do you use phonetic 3-part cards?
First, make sure the student knows the name of each picture. Use the three-period lesson if needed. Next, lay out the picture cards in a column. The student sounds out each word label and matches it to its picture. Finally, the student places each control card just to the right of its photo and word pair to check for errors and fix them independently. Once students are reading successfully, extend the work with a dictation game: one student reads a control card aloud while another writes the word with the movable alphabet, then they check the spelling with the control card. See our guide to phonetic reading cards for more.
How should I organize the cards?
Set out one group of six words at a time in a cloth pouch, box, or tray (a gift box lid works well). You can keep the packets as they come or regroup the words to isolate certain sounds; the lesson plan includes suggested groupings. Follow the student's pace, allow plenty of repetition, and swap in a new group every week or so to keep things interesting.
How do these cards relate to the phonetic object box?
These cards work just like the phonetic object box but add a built-in control of error. After your first phonetic object box lessons, move to these cards to keep the reading going while students find and correct their own mistakes.
What should students know before starting?
Students should have solid letter-sound knowledge and experience building words with a movable alphabet. In Montessori, encoding comes before decoding: students spell words before they easily read them.
What ages is this for?
Typically ages 3 to 6, whenever a student can blend sounds. These cards also support:
- Older students who are beginning to read
- English learners
- Students in reading intervention
What comes after Level 1?
Level 2 is the blue series, with consonant blends. Find it with all our phonetic 3-part cards. After that, students move on to phonogram 3-part cards.
Choose options
Knowledge Bank
Recommended Articles
Download a PDF of our materials
Follow Us
