Free Short E CVC Word Lists – Real and Nonsense (PDF)
All words on the lists are developmentally appropriate and follow standard phonics conventions to support high-quality reading instruction.
Why Use Short E CVC Word Lists?
Short e is one of the five short vowel sounds introduced early in phonics instruction. CVC words with short e are especially useful because they offer simple, predictable patterns for beginning readers. Teaching short e CVC words helps students build fluency, confidence, and the ability to distinguish between vowel sounds.
These short e word lists can be used to:
- Introduce and reinforce the short e sound
- Provide targeted decoding and spelling practice
- Assess students' phonics knowledge using both real and nonsense words
- Support intervention and small-group instruction
- Offer extra practice at home or in classroom centers
Need more short E CVC words or custom combinations? Generate your own free, printable CVC word lists using our phonics word generator! You can specify exactly which vowels and consonants to include for truly tailored practice.
Short E CVC Word List Downloads
Short E CVC Real Word List PDF |
Short E CVC Nonsense Word List PDF |
Explore CVC Words by Vowel:
Short A | Short I | Short O | Short U
Each list is formatted for easy printing and classroom use. They are ideal for independent work, guided reading groups, or phonics assessments.
Create Custom Short E Word Lists
If you need additional short e words or want to customize a list for a specific lesson, use our free CVC word list generator. Choose from real words, nonsense words, or both. You can also select which vowels and consonants to include.
Use the CVC Word List Generator
About me!
Hi! My name is Miss Becca, and I’m an elementary school teacher in New York. Over the course of my teaching career, I’ve taught every grade from kindergarten through fifth grade. I’m certified in both special and general education, and I’ve taught students from both populations. I’ve also taught reading intervention.
I used to spend a lot of time creating my own word lists and word cards to supplement phonics programs and reading intervention programs. Learning to read is hard, and students need a lot of practice, but it was difficult to find resources targeting exactly what I needed! I created phonicswordlist.com to make my own job in the classroom easier, and hopefully to help other teachers as well!
I hope you find this resource useful! Feel free to shoot me an email at beccatheteacher (at) gmail (dot) com with any questions or feedback!
P.S. – Check out my store on Teachers Pay Teachers! 😊