Alphabet magnets + a cookie sheet = your new favorite word work center.
This magnetic letter word work activity is a total game changer for teaching phonics in a way that’s hands-on, brain-friendly, and just plain fun.
And the best part? You can grab the Cookie Sheet Word Builder for free at the bottom of this post.
Why Magnetic Letter Word Work Works
Let’s be honest—magnetic letters have a reputation. They’re colorful, engaging… and they somehow end up scattered across every surface of your classroom.
That’s why we created the Cookie Sheet Word Builder.
It keeps everything in one tidy, organized space so kids can focus on the most important part: building words, practicing phonics, and connecting sounds to print.
Here’s how it works:
- Print the Word Builder mat (below) on sticker paper
- Stick it to a cookie sheet (you can grab class sets at the dollar store!)
- Place alphabet magnets in their matching spots so they’re always easy to find
- Have students say a word, tap out the sounds, and slide the correct magnets into each box to build the word
It’s the kind of hands-on phonics center that feels like play—but is packed with powerful learning.
Build Phonemic Awareness with Every Word
This activity isn’t just fun—it’s research-backed and aligned with the science of reading.
- First, kids say the word aloud and tap each sound
- Then they map the sounds to letters using alphabet magnets
- Finally, they read the whole word they built
This is called orthographic mapping—the process our brains use to turn sounds into words we can recognize automatically. In order to orthographically map a word, we need to connect its spelling, pronunciation and meaning.
Want to level it up? Try word chaining!
Start with one word, then swap just one sound at a time:
FUN → SUN → RUN → RAN → TAN → TAP → TIP → TOP → HOP → HOT
This strengthens phonemic awareness and keeps students totally engaged.
What Makes This Phonics Word Building Activity a Teacher Favorite?
Teachers love this freebie because it’s:
- Low prep (just print, stick, and go!)
- Perfect for literacy centers, small groups, and summer tutoring
- Organized (no more missing magnets!)
- Adaptable to any CVC or CVCe word list
- Engaging for students and easy to differentiate
It’s one of those resources that makes your school day smoother and helps your kids grow as readers.
Grab Your Free Cookie Sheet Word Builder
Ready to try magnetic letter word work that actually works? Click below to download your free Cookie Sheet Word Builder and get started today:
Want More Science of Reading-Aligned Activities Like This One?
This freebie is just the beginning. Inside The Science of Reading Formula, you’ll find:
- A full phonics-aligned curriculum
- Print-and-go centers like this one for every skill
- Bite-sized trainings that make research easy to apply
- A supportive teacher community to help you every step of the way
👉 Click here to become a member!