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Generate a "Missing Letters" worksheet

Missing Letters

Discover the Missing Letters worksheet strategy that helps students master letter combinations and internalize key phonics patterns in a fun, puzzle-like format.

What is Missing Letters?

Missing Letters is a spelling and phonics worksheet system inspired by Words Their Way, a well-known curriculum for grades 1-4. This method challenges students to "unlock" partially hidden words by identifying the correct missing letters, reinforcing their understanding of phonics and word structure.

Ways to Use

Use in small groups: Students can work independently to start solving the words on the list, then come together to share discoveries. As a group, discuss the patterns they noticed, how they solved the puzzles, and what those clues say about the week’s phonics focus.

Use in a word study center: This worksheet works well in a rotation or center model. You can use it before introducing the word list to spark curiosity, or after a few days of exposure for extra practice and review.

Assign for homework: Missing Letters makes a great at-home activity. Students enjoy it as a game-like puzzle, and it allows them to revisit and reinforce patterns seen in class. It’s also great for priming them before upcoming lessons or checking their retention at the end of the week.

Tips for Use

• Let students determine the word pattern: If you want students to discover the pattern on their own, consider turning off the "Show missing letters in worksheet?" option. This makes the activity more challenging and encourages deeper thinking.
• Consider removing oddball words: Words that don’t follow the same pattern may confuse some students. You may choose to leave them out or discuss them separately afterward.
• Be flexible when grading: Some words might have more than one valid completion (e.g., c__t could be "coat" or "cart"). Use this as a teaching moment rather than marking it wrong.
• Keep it fun: The Missing Letters activity is meant to feel like a word game. Encourage a relaxed, exploratory mindset over rigid testing.
• Allow partner work: Let students check answers in pairs. Peer collaboration reinforces learning and keeps students engaged.

Create a "Missing Letters" worksheet

What do the different font types look like?

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Why use Missing Letters?

Students benefit from recognizing and internalizing spelling patterns. Missing Letters builds visual memory, phonemic awareness, and decoding skills—critical for reading fluency and confident writing. It’s a quick, customizable, and effective tool for any K-12 classroom.