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R Blends Phonics: Blend and Read br, cr, dr, fr, gr and tr Words

🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends)Age 5-6MediumBlends🇺🇸 Kindergarten🇬🇧 Year 1🇦🇺 Foundation (Prep)🇮🇳 UKG📐 RF.K.3📐 RF.1.3.B

Next: Long Vowel Sounds: ai, ee, igh, oa, oo →

Once children can read simple CVC words, the next big step is reading two consonants that sit side by side, like the fr in frog or the cr in crab. These are called r blends, and each letter keeps its own sound.

In this free online phonics activity, your child hears and sees words that begin with br, cr, dr, fr, gr and tr. They sound out each part, push the sounds together and read the whole word. Friendly pictures give a helpful clue, so every try feels encouraging rather than tricky.

How to play

  1. Look at the picture and the letters on the screen. Say each sound slowly, for example f - r - o - g.
  2. Say the sounds faster and faster until they blend into one word, then say the whole word out loud.
  3. Tap the answer you think is correct. If it is wrong, try sounding the word out again before choosing.
  4. Keep going until all the questions are finished, then read your favourite words once more to a grown-up.

This activity helps your child move from single-sound CVC reading to words with consonant blends, a key step in early reading fluency. Children practise hearing both letters in a blend, so frog does not become fog and trap does not become tap. They also build letter-sound knowledge, listening skills and the confidence to attempt longer words in storybooks. Short, repeated sessions work best: five to ten minutes a day is plenty. Sit nearby, let your child say the sounds aloud, and praise careful sounding out even when the answer is not right the first time.

Frequently asked questions

What is an r blend in phonics?
An r blend is two consonants together where the second letter is r, such as br, cr, dr, fr, gr and tr. Unlike digraphs, both letters keep their own sound, so children hear f and r clearly in the word frog.
What age is this phonics activity for?
It suits children aged around 5 to 6, or UK Phase 3 and Phase 4 learners who already read simple CVC words confidently. Older children who need extra blending practice will also enjoy it, as the words stay short and familiar.
My child says fog instead of frog. How can I help?
Slow the word right down and tap each sound on your fingers: f - r - o - g. Ask your child to repeat after you, then speed up. Comparing word pairs like fog and frog, or tap and trap, makes the missing sound easy to notice.
Is this activity free and does my child need an account?
Yes, it is completely free to use and no sign-up or personal details are needed. You can play it on a phone, tablet or computer, and repeat it as often as you like because the words are shuffled each time.

More phonics (cvc, digraphs & blends)

🔉 Long Vowel Sounds: ai, ee, igh, oa, oo🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends) · Age 6-8 🔉 Blends: Which Sound Do You Hear?🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends) · Age 5-6 🔉 Phonics Screening Check Practice: Real or Alien Words🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends) · Age 5-6 🔉 Digraphs sh, ch, th: Build the Word🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends) · Age 5-6 🔉 Build CVC Words from Sounds🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends) · Age 4-5 🔉 CVC Words: Sound It Out (Short a)🔉 Phonics (CVC, Digraphs & Blends) · Age 4-5

Updated 5 Nov 2026