CVC words with short o and u — Phonics for kids

How the sounds work

Sound it out, then blend — “say each letter’s sound, then push the sounds together into one word”

1. Say each sound: b – u – s.
2. Blend them into one word: bus.
3. Short o is the sound in “dog”; short u is the sound in “sun”.

Use it for: Reading simple sentences and early readers, and spelling words with o and u.

Worked example: 🚌 Which word is this? → bus

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊), look at the pictures, then tap the answer. Grown-ups: read the question together.

🏁 Lesson 10 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🦊 Short O-U Reader badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 2 · Blending and words. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ CVC Words Worksheet – Short o and u

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)