Vowel Sounds Worksheets for Kids: Find a, e, i, o and u

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Vowel Sounds Worksheets for Kids: a, e, i, o, u

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These free printable vowel worksheets help young readers notice the five vowels a, e, i, o and u inside simple three-letter words. Children start by tracing the vowel letters, then look at a picture, say the word slowly and choose the vowel sound they hear in the middle.

Each page uses clear pictures and big, friendly letters, so preschool and Grade 1 children can work with very little help. Print the pages at home or in class, use them for daily practice, reading groups or quiet time, and repeat them as often as you like.

How to play

Download the free PDF and print the pages on A4 paper. Portrait setting and plain white paper work best.
Start with page 1. Help your child trace each vowel and say its short sound aloud: a as in apple, e as in egg, i as in igloo, o as in otter, u as in umbrella.
On the next pages, ask your child to name each picture slowly, listen for the middle sound, then circle or write the correct vowel.
Finish with the sorting page and read the completed words together one more time.

Vowels are the glue that holds short words together, so hearing them clearly is a big step towards independent reading. While working on these pages, your child practises letter recognition, listening for the middle sound in a word, matching sounds to letters and forming lowercase vowels neatly. Saying each word aloud before writing also builds confidence in blending sounds, which helps with reading and spelling later. Sit beside your child for the first page, then step back and let them try. Short, happy sessions of ten minutes a few times a week work far better than one long sitting.

Frequently asked questions

What are the five vowels my child should learn first?

The vowels are a, e, i, o and u. Children usually learn the short sounds first: a as in cat, e as in pen, i as in pig, o as in dog and u as in bus. These sounds appear in most early reading words.

What age are these vowel worksheets best for?

They suit children aged about four to six, or anyone who already knows most letter names and is starting to read short words. Younger children can simply trace the vowels and colour the pictures while an adult says the sounds.

Do I need to print the worksheets in colour?

No. The pages are designed to work well in black and white, which saves ink. Printing without colour also gives your child extra pictures to colour in once the writing part of each page is finished.

How can I help if my child picks the wrong vowel?

Say the word slowly, stretching the middle sound, like c-a-a-a-t. Then say two choices aloud, such as cat and cot, and ask which one matches the picture. Hearing the difference makes choosing the right vowel much easier.