teaching resource

Vowel Teams Sort EE, EA, and EY

  • Updated

    Updated:  14 Nov 2023

Decode words with EE, EA, or EY long "e" vowel teams using 18 picture cards with sorting mats.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  6 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  1 - 2

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teaching resource

Vowel Teams Sort EE, EA, and EY

  • Updated

    Updated:  14 Nov 2023

Decode words with EE, EA, or EY long "e" vowel teams using 18 picture cards with sorting mats.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  6 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  1 - 2

Decode words with EE, EA, or EY long "e" vowel teams using 18 picture cards with sorting mats.

Using our EE, EA & EY words sorting activity, we make teaching students which vowel “does the talking” an engaging visual experience! 

To play, students will decode the words on the cards and categorize them by their long “e” sound vowel team conventions.

An answer key is included with your download for students to self-check their work. 

Sort Words by EE, EA & EY Vowel Teams

Use this resource in your reading center, as a guided reading activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice decoding words with EE, EA & EY vowel team conventions for representing long vowel sounds.

The EE, EA & EY words students will sort by their pictures are:

  • sheep
  • beet
  • wheel
  • queen
  • cheese
  • tree
  • read
  • tea
  • steak
  • leaf
  • beaver
  • eat
  • honey
  • donkey
  • smokey
  • monkey
  • turkey
  • money

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Challenge students who already understand the concept to produce rhyming words for each word. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by referring them to a visual reminder of vowel team conventions, such as a poster or anchor chart

More Activities with Long E Vowel Teams

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

👀 Scavenger Hunt

Hide the picture cards around the room when your students are not around, and put the vowel teams cards in the center of the room. Then, set your students loose! As soon as they find a piece, they bring it up to the picture card, read the word, and put it on the matching vowel team. NOTE: You may want to make a rule of only 1 student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy! 

🎯 Swat 

During small group instruction, lay the vowel team cards on the table and give each player a fly swatter. Read the words off the picture cards and have the students swat the vowel team that matches the sound. The first student to swat it correctly gets the picture card aside to keep score. The student with the most wins. 

🔔 Bell Ringer Activity

Project 3 picture cards on the screen, one for each vowel team. Use our easy Sticky Note template to have students write the words in each picture and underline the vowel team that each features. You can also provide the word on the card and ask students to simply identify the vowel team. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.


This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator. 


Team up with us for more exciting vowel team exercises to round out your lesson plans! 

[resource:4712983]   [resource:4707327]   [resource:4706979]

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