High-frequency words (often called ‘heart words’ or ‘tricky words’) are commonly used words that children need to recognize quickly, as they are not always easy to sound out. Regular practice in both reading and spelling these words is essential for building early literacy skills.

Practicing high-frequency words at home gives students the repetition they need to develop automatic recognition. It also promotes family involvement, which plays an important role in supporting a child’s learning journey.

This set of two high-frequency word activity grids has been created to offer engaging, hands-on ways for students to practice their words at home. Each grid includes 9 varied activities designed to strengthen recognition and recall. Some activities include:

• Use magnetic letters or letter tiles to build your words
• Write a fun sentence using each word
• Spell your words in the air using your finger
• Use a paintbrush and water to write your words
• Circle any smaller words you can find within your words

Regular practice with high-frequency words is key to early reading success. These activity grids provide an enjoyable and flexible way for students to build confidence and fluency.

Using These Activity Grids in the Classroom

While ideal as a take-home resource, these grids can also be used in your phonics lessons in a variety of ways:

• Daily Warm-Ups – Kick off your lesson with a quick high-frequency word activity. Choose one task for the whole class or allow students to select their own activity.
• Literacy Groups – Use the grids as part of a rotation. Set up a station where students choose and complete activities independently or in small groups.
• Personal Challenge – Encourage students to complete a set number of activities each week. Celebrate their achievements with praise or small rewards to boost motivation.

Download This Resource

This high-frequency word activity grid is available as an easy-to-print PDF or an editable Google Slides version. If selecting Google Slides, you will be prompted to make a copy to your own drive before downloading.

Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

Explore More High-Frequency Word Resources

Check out more curriculum-aligned, teacher-created resources to support your early learners:

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High Frequency Words Worksheet Pack - 1st Grade

Support your 1st Grade students as they consolidate their understanding of high‑frequency words with this engaging and purposeful high frequency words worksheet pack.