Vowel Flashcards for Kids: A, E, I, O, U with Pictures
The five vowels A, E, I, O and U appear in almost every word a child reads, so they are a lovely place to begin phonics. These free flashcards for kids show one clear picture, one letter and one simple word at a time, such as A for apple and E for egg.
Each vowel has two cards, so children hear the sound more than once and start to notice it inside everyday words. Tap a card to hear the sound, or print the set and use it for quick games at home or in the preschool classroom.
How to play
- Show one card and name the picture together, for example "apple".
- Point to the letter and say its sound slowly: "a... a... apple".
- Ask your child to repeat the sound and trace the letter in the air with a finger.
- Move to the next card, then shuffle and ask your child to find all the A cards or all the O cards.
This activity builds three early reading skills at once. Your child learns to recognise the five vowel letters by shape, to link each letter with its short sound, and to hear that sound at the beginning of a familiar word. Matching two picture cards to the same letter also strengthens listening and sorting skills, which support later blending and spelling. Keep sessions short and cheerful, about five minutes a day. If your child mixes up E and I, slow the sound down and say it together. Praise the effort rather than the speed, and repeat the set often.
Frequently asked questions
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Why teach vowels separately from the other letters?
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Updated 5 Nov 2026