Teaching children the difference between similar vowel sounds can be a challenging but important part of learning to read and write.

The “ee” and “ea” vowel combinations often confuse young learners because there are no strict rules that dictate when to use one over the other.
The key to mastering these vowel teams lies in repeated practice and exposure to words that use both spellings. By providing a structured way to explore these sounds, children can improve their reading fluency and spelling accuracy.
This printable offers a 23-page activity designed to help first graders distinguish between words that use “ea” and those that use “ee.” Through a sorting game, children will place apples labeled with words into baskets that correspond with the correct vowel combination.
Along with the sorting activity, there is an optional section for writing the words to further reinforce spelling skills. This makes the printable a valuable tool for practicing both phonics and fine motor skills as children handle the cut-out pieces and practice their writing.
Understanding the different sounds that “ea” and “ee” can make is essential to mastering this skill. For example, “ea” is commonly used to produce a long “e” sound in words like “bead,” “seat,” and “leaf,” but it can also make a short “e” sound in words like “head” or “bread.”
On the other hand, “ee” consistently makes a long “e” sound, as seen in words like “meet,” “feet,” or “bee.” By recognizing these patterns, children can start to understand when to use each vowel team in different words. The printable helps reinforce these patterns through both visual and hands-on learning, giving kids the opportunity to hear, see, and practice these sounds in context.
To further enhance letter recognition and phonetic awareness, additional activities such as writing out words after completing the sorting game or thinking of new words with “ee” and “ea” can help solidify the lesson.
DOWNLOAD Long Vowel EE and EA Phonic Printables
Check out these links below for more free Phonics printables:
- FREE Activities and Chart to Master Long Vowel Sounds
- FREE Printable “Air” Sound Words Phonics Activity
- Sh and Ch Phonics Worksheets
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