If your students have mastered CVC words and are ready for the next step, it’s time to introduce CVCe words—sometimes called magic e or silent e words. These words are a crucial bridge between short and long vowel patterns, and they can be a little tricky for students to grasp.
That’s why teaching CVCe words calls for more than just memorizing spelling lists. You need meaningful, structured practice that helps students understand the pattern, apply it independently, and feel confident as they decode and spell magic e words.
Why CVCe Words Are So Important
CVCe stands for consonant-vowel-consonant-silent e. The silent e at the end changes the vowel sound from short to long. Think of the difference between cap and cape, or rid and ride. This one little letter holds a lot of power—hence the nickname magic e!
CVCe words introduce the idea that letters can influence each other even when they’re not side-by-side. It’s an important step in understanding phonics patterns and developing decoding fluency. Once students recognize that final silent “e” changes a short vowel to a long one, they begin to read more accurately and with better understanding.
But just like other complex phonics patterns, it takes time and lots of repetition to master. The key? Making that repetition fun, meaningful, and varied.
My Favorite CVCe Activities for Reinforcement
1. Magic E Word Sorts
Word sorts give early readers repeated exposure to consistent patterns, helping them build confidence and fluency. They are one of the most effective ways to help students internalize spelling patterns like silent e. This structured activity invites students to actively compare, contrast, and categorize words based on their spelling and sound, reinforcing the phonics rule through both visual and tactile learning. It’s not just about memorizing a rule—it’s about seeing it in action across multiple examples.
Want to try one out? Try a word sort for free by subscribing or read more about how to simplify phonics instruction with differentiated word sorts!
2. Long Vowel Roll and Cover
One of my go-to tools for reinforcing long vowels and silent e is Roll and Cover. This version includes both vowel teams and magic e words, so students get exposure to multiple long vowel patterns in one engaging activity. It’s great for auditory discrimination and decoding practice, and the game-like format keeps kids motivated.
Students roll the die, find a matching word, and cover it—simple, effective, and easy to differentiate. Whether used independently or in small groups, Roll and Cover is a consistent literacy center activity that builds fluency without extra prep.
Check out how Roll and Cover supports auditory discrimination skills.
3. Magic E Board Games
Nothing motivates students like a game! These CVCe game boards allow students to apply their knowledge in a fun, low-pressure format. They roll, read, and move—simple setup, big impact. You can even use the same boards throughout the year by rotating word patterns.
Learn more about how phonics games transform instruction!
4. Long Vowel Word Bump
This reading game encourages repeated exposure to CVCe words while building fluency and confidence. Students love the bumping element—making it great for partner or independent work. The repeated reading of the same words helps with retention without feeling like drill work.
Want to learn more? Read my full post on why students love Word Bump.
You can SUBSCRIBE to access free game boards, word sorts, and other freebies in my resource library or click here to access it on TPT. If you’re already subscribed, simply go to the Freebie Library to download it now.
Why These Activities Work
If you’ve ever had students guess at long vowel words or skip over silent e altogether, you’re not alone. CVCe takes time—and repetition is key. But when you provide that repetition through games and activities students want to do, it sticks.
Each game in the Magic E Review Bundle is designed to align with Science of Reading principles. They’re hands-on, engaging, and easy to differentiate. Whether you’re working with emerging readers or students who need extra review, these activities provide targeted practice in a way that feels more like fun than work.
Explore My TPT Store
Looking for more phonics games and no-prep literacy resources? Visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Primed for Primary, for engaging word sorts, literacy centers, and phonics activities aligned with the Science of Reading.
Subscribe to my blog today and get access to my free resource library and stay in the loop with fresh teaching tips, phonics strategies, and new resource updates. Let’s make phonics instruction fun, effective, and stress-free—one game-based activity at a time!
