Solve-the-Riddle

Deborah Schecter

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy activity pages from this book for classroom use.
No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission of the publisher.
For information regarding permission, write to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999.

Cover design by Maria Lilja

Interior design by Solas
Illustrations by Maxie Chambliss, Rusty Fletcher, James Graham Hale, and Anne Kennedy
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-23968-4
ISBN-10: 0-545-23968-0

Text copyright © 2010 by Deborah Schecter

Illustrations copyright © 2010 by Scholastic Inc.
Published by Scholastic Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 Contents

About This Book. . . . . . . . . . 4 Diphthongs

What the Research Says. . . . 4 oi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Introducing the Activities . . 4 ou. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Meeting the Standards– ow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Supporting RTI. . . . . . . . . . . 5
Initial Consonant Clusters
Phonics Riddles
l-blends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Short Vowels
r-blends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
s-blends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ending Consonant Clusters
o. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
-ld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
u. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
-nk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
-rk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Long Vowels
-mp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Initial Consonant Digraphs
i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ch-. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
o. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
sh-. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Variant Vowel Patterns
Ending Consonant Digraphs
long oo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
-ch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
short oo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
-sh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
aw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
-th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
-ng. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
r-Controlled Vowels
ar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
or. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

3

What the
Research Says
In his book Phonics From A to Z:
A Practical Guide, 2nd ed.
(Scholastic, 2006), reading
specialist Wiley Blevins notes that
the faster children can decode
words, and the more words they
recognize by sight, the more
fluent they become, leaving
more time and energy to focus
on comprehension (Freedman
and Calfee, 1984; LaBerge and
Samuels, 1974). Blevins cites
Cunningham’s (1995) observation
that the brain works as a “pattern
detector.” Since blends, digraphs,
and many vowel sounds contain
reliable sound-spelling patterns,
learning to recognize their common
patterns increases and improves
word recognition skills.
4 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
About This Book
W elcome to Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice! The engaging riddle
activities in this collection offer a unique and motivating way
to help students practice the basic sound-letter relationships
needed in decoding, comprehension, writing, and spelling. Chosen
especially for their appeal to primary-grade students, each riddle activity
targets a specific phonics skill, such as short and long vowels, variant
vowel patterns, r-controlled vowels and diphthongs, and initial- and
ending-consonant clusters and digraphs. As students enjoy solving these
rib-tickling riddles, they’ll build important phonics skills that will help
them become confident, independent readers.
Introducing the Activities
1. Read aloud a riddle. For example, Riddle 1 (page 6) asks, “What flying
animal is found at baseball games?” Then point out the phonics focus
at the top of the page (short a). Explain that the answer to this riddle is
a word that features the short-a sound.
2. Review the directions. To solve the riddle, students work with words
that contain the same vowel sound. They identify each picture below
the riddle, and then write the short-a word it represents in the spaces
and boxes provided.
3. In the Solve the Riddle! section, students write the letters from the
boxes, in order, to spell out the solution to the riddle. What flying
animal is found at baseball games? A bat!
4. To ensure students understand how to complete the activities, have
them try solving Riddle 2 on their own.
5. Extend learning by helping short a
Name: Date:
students explore the play on Lg^iZi]ZldgY[dgZVX]e^XijgZdci]Za^cZh#
I]ZcbV`ZVldgYi]VihdakZhZVX]g^YYaZ#
words, puns, and multiple JhZi]ZaZiiZgh^ci]ZWdmZh#
meanings in many of the 2GBBJC What f lying animal is found at baseball games?
riddles.  b a c k  
 m a p   
 t a g  
a b a t
3MJTCRFC2GBBJC

2GBBJC What has two legs but can’t walk?
 c  a  p 
 b  a  g 
 d  a  n c e   
 r  a  t
 m  a  s k 
3MJTCRFC2GBBJC

your p a n t s
6 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
Meeting the Standards—Supporting RTI
The activities in this book help meet key state and national language
arts standards (see below), and can be used to support the Response
to Intervention (RTI) efforts in your school. RTI, a federal initiative,
is a three-tier intervention approach in which educators provide early
screening and specific, targeted intervention, particularly in reading,
for at-risk students. Conceived as a prevention model, the goal of RTI
is to achieve success for all students. The riddle activities offer students
targeted practice in specific phonics skills to support their instructional
needs and provide the repeated practice they need to attain mastery.
Meeting the Language Arts Standards
Connections to the
McREL Language Arts Standards
The activities in this book are designed to support
the following language arts standards outlined by
Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
(McREL), a nationally recognized, nonprofit organization
that collects and synthesizes national and state K­–12
curriculum standards.
Reading
Employs the general skills and strategies of the
reading process
•  ses mental images based on pictures and print
U •
to aid in comprehension of text
•  ses basic elements of phonetic analysis
U in written language—helps readers recognize familiar
(for example, common letter/sound relationships,
beginning consonants, vowel sounds, blends,
word patterns) to decode unknown words
•  ses basic elements of structural analysis, such as
U information about the meanings and pronunciation
spelling patterns, to decode unknown words
Writing
Employs grammatical and mechanical conventions
in writing
•  ses conventions of spelling in writing (for example,
U
spells phonetically regular words; uses letter-sound
relationships; spells basic short vowel, long vowel,
r-controlled, and consonant blend patterns)
Source: Kendall, J. S. & Marzano, R. J. (2004). Content knowledge:
A compendium of standards and benchmarks for K–12 education.
Aurora, CO: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
Online database: http://www.mcrel.org/standards-benchmarks/
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
Teaching Tips
• Use your students’ different
ability levels as a guide when
assigning the activity sheets.
• The activities are flexible and
easy to use for independent
work, at centers, or as day
starters or homework.
Connections to the
Reading First Program
The activities in this book are also designed to
support you in implementing the recommendations
of the Reading First Program, authorized by the U.S.
Department of Education’s No Child Left Behind Act.
The National Reading Panel has identified the five key
areas of reading instruction as follows:
• Phonemic Awareness The ability to hear, identify,
and manipulate phonemes—the sounds of spoken
language
Phonics Development Understanding the predictable
relationship between phonemes and graphemes—
the letters and spellings that represent those sounds
words accurately and automatically and to decode
unfamiliar words
• Vocabulary Development The ability to store
of words necessary for communicating, including
vocabulary for listening, speaking, reading, and
writing
• Fluency The ability to read text accurately and
quickly that allows readers to recognize words and
comprehend at the same time
• Comprehension The ability to understand and gain
meaning from material read
Source: Guidance for the Reading First Program. (U.S. Department
of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2002)
5
 short a
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 1 What f lying animal is found at baseball games?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 2 What has two legs but can’t walk?

Solve the Riddle!

your
6 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 short a
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 3 What will you always find when you

reach in your pocket?

Solve the Riddle!

your

Riddle 4 What do you lose when you stand up?

Solve the Riddle!

your
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 7
 short a
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 5 What do frogs make notes on?

Solve the Riddle!

lily

Riddle 6 What keeps TV stars cool?

Solve the Riddle!

their
8 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 short e
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 7 What room does a bear like best?

Solve the Riddle!

the

Riddle 8 What has four legs, but only one foot?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 9

 short e
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 9 What do you call pigs who write to each other?

Solve the Riddle!

pals

Riddle 10 What runs around a yard but does not move?

Solve the Riddle!

a
10 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 short e
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 11 What do you get when you jump

in the Red Sea?

Solve the Riddle!

!

Riddle 12 What has to be broken before it can be used?

Solve the Riddle!

an

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 11

 short i
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 13 What’s inside a pen but is not ink?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 14 What do you call a baby chick with a cold?

Solve the Riddle!

a chick

12 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 short i
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 15 What did the apple tree say to the farmer?

Solve the Riddle!

Don’t on me!

Riddle 16 What do snakes do after a fight?

Solve the Riddle!

and make up.
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 13
 short i
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 17 What happens when you chop down a tuna tree?

Solve the Riddle!

You get sticks.

Riddle 18 What is red and white?

Solve the Riddle!

14 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 short o
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 19 What do you call a dog with a fever?

Solve the Riddle!

a dog

Riddle 20 What does a baby ear of corn call its dad?

Solve the Riddle!

corn

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 15

 short o
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 21 What is the most silly name for a zebra?

Solve the Riddle!

Riddle 22 What kind of mail do fish get?

Solve the Riddle!

post –
16 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 short o
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 23 What wears a coat all winter and

pants in summer?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 24 What word has the most letters?

Solve the Riddle!

mail

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 17

 short u
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 25 Who visits an elephant when it loses a tooth?

Solve the Riddle!

the fairy

Riddle 26 What is the smallest room?

1
+ 1
2

Solve the Riddle!

a room
18 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 short u
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 27 What did the dog say to the f lea?

Solve the Riddle!

You me!

Riddle 28 What goes under your feet and

over your head?

Solve the Riddle!

a rope
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 19
 short u
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 29 What did one plate say to the other plate?

Solve the Riddle!

is on me!

Riddle 30 Where do bear cubs like to take a bath?

Solve the Riddle!

in a cub
20 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long a
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 31 What goes up and never comes down?

Solve the Riddle!

your

Riddle 32 How can you fix a broken tomato?

Solve the Riddle!

Use tomato .
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 21
 long a
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 33 What always follows a horse?

Solve the Riddle!

its

Riddle 34 How does a f lag say hello?

Solve the Riddle!

It s.
22 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long a
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 35 What kind of coat has no buttons or pockets?

Solve the Riddle!

a coat of

Riddle 36 How is your hand like a hardware store?

Solve the Riddle!

It has .
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 23
 long e
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 37 Why do bananas put on sunscreen?

Solve the Riddle!

So they won’t .

Riddle 38 Where does spaghetti go to dance?

Solve the Riddle!

the – ball
24 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long e
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 39 What starts with T, ends with T, and is full of T?

Solve the Riddle!

a pot

Riddle 40 What has an eye but can’t see?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 25
 long e
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 41 What’s the best thing for hives?

Solve the Riddle!

Riddle 42 Why did the drum take a nap?

Solve the Riddle!

It was .
26 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long i
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 43 What f lies without wings?

Solve the Riddle!

Riddle 44 Why does a spider use a computer?

Solve the Riddle!

to find a Web
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 27
 long i
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 45 Why do firef lies do well in school?

Solve the Riddle!

They are .

Riddle 46 What did the snowman say to the child?

Solve the Riddle!

Have an day!
28 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long i
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 47 What game do bees like best?

Solve the Riddle!

-and-seek

Riddle 48 What can you wear in any weather?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 29
 long o
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 49 What has teeth but cannot bite?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 50 What runs for miles but never moves?

Solve the Riddle!

a
30 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long o
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 51 What kind of ball will not bounce?

Solve the Riddle!

a ball

Riddle 52 What gets bigger the more you take out?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 31
 long o
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 53 What can run but does not have legs?

Solve the Riddle!

your

Riddle 54 What kind of fish might make you rich?

Solve the Riddle!

a fish
32 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 long oo
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 55 What is a good thing to keep in summer?

Solve the Riddle!

!

Riddle 56 What do you call a ghost’s mistake?

Solve the Riddle!

a –
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 33
 long oo
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 57 What do you use to clean a train’s teeth?

Solve the Riddle!

– paste

Riddle 58 Where do cows go for fun?

Solve the Riddle!

to the – vies

34 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 long oo
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 59 What is found all over a house?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 60 Where do cars go when they get hot?

Solve the Riddle!

to a car
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 35
 short oo⁄aw
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 61 What has two covers but no bed?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 62 How can you cut an ocean wave in half?

Solve the Riddle!

Use a sea .

36 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 ar
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 63 What has a trunk, but is not an animal?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 64 Where was the bear when the lights went out?

Solve the Riddle!

in the !

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 37

 ar
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 65 What kind of fish light up the night sky?

Solve the Riddle!

fish

Riddle 66 What has three feet but cannot walk?

Solve the Riddle!

a
38 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 or
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 67 What sleeps with its shoes on?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 68 What is both inside a room and outside?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 39
 oi
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 69 What can you hear but never see?

Solve the Riddle!

e

Riddle 70 What has a head and a tail, but no body?

Solve the Riddle!

a
40 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 ou
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 71 Why did the cat get a computer?

Solve the Riddle!

for the

Riddle 72 How do you buy a hammer?

Solve the Riddle!

by the
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 41
 ow
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 73 Where did Humpty Dumpty go when he fell?

Solve the Riddle!

!

Riddle 74 What gets wetter the more it dries?

Solve the Riddle!

a
42 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 l-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 75 What has five fingers but is not a hand?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 76 What f lies but never goes anywhere?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 43
 l-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 77 How do you make a hot dog roll?

Solve the Riddle!

Tilt your .

Riddle 78 What runs and runs but never gets anywhere?

Solve the Riddle!

a
44 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 l-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 79 What do you call a sad berry?

Solve the Riddle!

a berry

Riddle 80 What part of school does a firef ly like best?

Solve the Riddle!

-and-tell
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 45
 r-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 81 Why did the cookie go to the doctor?

Solve the Riddle!

It felt – .

Riddle 82 What can you put in a glass but never take out?

Solve the Riddle!

a
46 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 r-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 83 What bird can lift the most weight?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 84 What grows down as it grows up?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 47

 r-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 85 What can you hold without touching?

Solve the Riddle!

your

Riddle 86 What letter of the alphabet is a treat to eat?

Solve the Riddle!

a –
48 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 s-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 87 What is the slowest way to send a letter?

Solve the Riddle!

by U.S.

Riddle 88 What has holes but holds water?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 49
 s-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 89 What goes up and down but stays still?

Solve the Riddle!

Riddle 90 Why do mice need oil?

Solve the Riddle!

They !
50 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 s-blends
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 91 What would you get if you put butter

on your bed?

Solve the Riddle!

a bed

Riddle 92 What does a scarecrow use to drink milk?

Solve the Riddle!

a
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 51
 ending cluster -ld
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 93 What can you catch but cannot throw?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 94 What did the tub say to the water?

Solve the Riddle!

I will you.
52 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 ending cluster -nk
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 95 Where do fish get money?

Solve the Riddle!

at the river –

Riddle 96 Why did the elephant have a bad trip?

Solve the Riddle!

He forgot his .
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 53
 ending cluster -rk⁄-mp
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 97 Why do cows wear bells?

Solve the Riddle!

Their horns don’t w .

Riddle 98 What goes around the world

but stays in a corner?

Solve the Riddle!
a
54 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 initial digraph ch-
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 99 What has four legs but can’t walk?

Solve the Riddle!

a

Riddle 100 What do you do with a blue whale?

Solve the Riddle!

her up.
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 55
 initial digraph sh-
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 101 What does a snake like to drink?

Solve the Riddle!

a rattle

Riddle 102 Why did the barber win the race?

Solve the Riddle!

He knew a cut.
56 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 initial digraph sh-
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 103 What did one pencil say to the other pencil?

Solve the Riddle!

You look !

Riddle 104 How do sailors send packages to their families?

Solve the Riddle!

They them.
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 57
 initial digraph sh-
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 105 What is on the gingerbread boy’s bed?

Solve the Riddle!

a cookie

Riddle 106 How does a turtle call its friends?

Solve the Riddle!

on a – phone
58 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources
 ending digraph -ch
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 107 What goes tick-tock, bow-wow?

Solve the Riddle!

a dog

Riddle 108 What goes on a pumpkin when it gets a cut?

Solve the Riddle!

a pumpkin
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 59
 ending digraph -ch
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 109 Which month never walks?

Solve the Riddle!

Riddle 110 What does a boxer like to drink?

Solve the Riddle!

60 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

 ending digraph -sh
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 111 How are computers and waves alike?

Solve the Riddle!

They can .

Riddle 112 What helps firef lies learn their math facts?

Solve the Riddle!

cards
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 61
 ending digraph -th⁄- ng
Name: Date:

Write the word for each picture on the lines.

Then make a word that solves each riddle.
Use the letters in the boxes.

Riddle 113 What is the best thing to put in a pie?

Solve the Riddle!

your !

Riddle 114 What did the phone say to the bell?

Solve the Riddle!

Give me a .

62 Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources

Answers
Page 6 Page 16 Page 26
Riddle 1: a bat Riddle 21: Spot Riddle 41: bees
(back, map, tag) (stop, pond, lock, top) (beak, read, cheese, seal)
Riddle 2: your pants Riddle 22: post-cods Riddle 42: It was beat.
(cap, bag, dance, rat, mask) (cop, box, dog, sock) (beans, queen, tea, teeth )

Page 7 Page 17 Page 27

Riddle 3: your hand Riddle 23: a dog Riddle 43: time
(ham, cat, fan, dad) (doll, knot, hog) (kite, ice, dime, pipe)
Riddle 4: your lap Riddle 24: mailbox Riddle 44: to find a Web site
(clam, mat, pan) (knob, rock, fox) (slide, nine, tie, rice)

Page 8 Page 18 Page 28

Riddle 5: lily pads Riddle 25: the tusk fairy Riddle 45: They are bright.
(clap, hand, sand, sad) (nut, rug, sun, duck) (bite, tire, vine, knight, kite)
Riddle 6: their fans Riddle 26: a mushroom Riddle 46: Have an ice day!
(flag, lamp, can, mask) (hump, sum, bus, hug) (bike, dice, fire)

Page 9 Page 19 Page 29

Riddle 7: the den Riddle 27: You bug me! Riddle 47: hive-and-seek
(bend, bell, tent) (bun, cup, mug) (hike, line, dive, five)
Riddle 8: a bed Riddle 28: a jump rope Riddle 48: a smile
(web, neck, desk) (jug, sub, gum, stump) (pies, mice, child, ride)

Page 10 Page 20 Page 30

Riddle 9: pen pals Riddle 29: Lunch is on me! Riddle 49: a comb
(step, hen, net) (plug, bud, run, cut, hug) (coat, bone, moat, robe)
Riddle 10: a fence Riddle 30: in a cub tub Riddle 50: a road
(elf, wet, nest, cent, bench) (hut, sun, bug) (rope, bowl, goat, fold)

Page 11 Page 21 Page 31

Riddle 11: wet! Riddle 31: your age Riddle 51: a snowball
(well, men, stem) (pail, game, cake) (rose, nose, toad, bow)
Riddle 12: an egg Riddle 32: Use tomato paste. Riddle 52: a hole
(ten, leg, gem) (cape, hay, snail, tray, shade) (phone, toe, blow, smoke)

Page 12 Page 22 Page 32

Riddle 13: a pig Riddle 33: its tail Riddle 53: your nose
(pin, six, dig) (gate, rake, brain, lace) (cone, boat, toast, hose)
Riddle 14: a sick chick Riddle 34: It waves. Riddle 54: a goldfish
(swim, gift, clip, lick) (wake, cage, vase, lake) (goat, soap, yolk, cold)

Page 13 Page 23 Page 33

Riddle 15: Don’t pick on me! Riddle 35: a coat of paint Riddle 55: cool!
(lip, sit, crib, milk) (tape, stain, cane, train) (school, moon, tooth, stool)
Riddle 16: Hiss and make up. Riddle 36: It has nails. Riddle 56: a boo-boo
(dish, ring, ship, fist) (rain, chain, whale, skate) (broom, tools, boot, spoon)

Page 14 Page 24 Page 34

Riddle 17: You get fish sticks. Riddle 37: So they won’t peel. Riddle 57: toot-paste
(fin, bib, sink, hip) (jeep, seeds, pea, leash) (roots, pool, hoop, boot)
Riddle 18: pink Riddle 38: the meat-ball Riddle 58: to the moo-vies
(pill, mitt, chin, kick) (steam, kneel, ear, three) (moose, hoot, groom)

Page 15 Page 25 Page 35

Riddle 19: a hot dog Riddle 39: a teapot Riddle 59: a roof
(hop, dock, top) (street, bead, leaf) (broom, noon, coop, food)
Riddle 20: popcorn Riddle 40: a needle Riddle 60: to a carpool
(mop, log, pot) (knee, tree, deer, wheel, feet) (loop, moon, tooth, igloo)

Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources 63

Page 36
Riddle 61: a book
(brook, look, foot, hook)
Riddle 62: Use a sea saw.
(straw, draw, claw
Page 37
Riddle 63: a car
(scarf, yard, arm)
Riddle 64: in the dark!
(card, bark, farm, park)
Page 38
Riddle 65: starfish
(shark, cart, part, jar)
Riddle 66: a yard
(yarn, barn, chart, dart)
Page 39
Riddle 67: a horse
(horn, fork, snore, store)
Riddle 68: a door
(sword, corn, core, thorn)
Page 40
Riddle 69: noise
(point, boil, oil, soil)
Riddle 70: a coin
(coil, foil, soil, oink)
Page 41
Riddle 71: for the mouse
(mouth, couch, house, bounce)
Riddle 72: by the pound
(spout, flour, ground, cloud)
Page 42
Riddle 73: down!
(crowd, owl, cow, crown)
Riddle 74: a towel
(tower, gown, flower, clown)
Page 43
Riddle 75: a glove
(glass, clown, sleeve, flame)
Riddle 76: a flag
(fly, blow, clam, globe)
Page 44
Riddle 77: Tilt your plate.
(plane, clap, float, slide)
Riddle 78: a clock
(clip, glove, climb, plank)
64
Page 45 Page 54
Riddle 79: a blueberry Riddle 97: Their horns don’t work.
(block, cloud, plug, sled) (fork, bark, shark)
Riddle 80: glow-and-tell Riddle 98: a stamp
(glue, plate, flower, claw) (stump, lamp, hump, jump)
Page 46 Page 55
Riddle 81: It felt crumb-y. Riddle 99: a chair
(crib, drum, brick, cry) (chick, chain, chip, cherry
Riddle 82: a crack Riddle 100: Cheer her up.
(crab, draw, crow, trunk) (cheese, check, cheek, church)
Page 47 Page 56
Riddle 83: a crane Riddle 101: a rattle shake
(crawl, grass, brain, bride) (ship, shave, shark, shoe)
Riddle 84: a tree Riddle 102: He knew a shortcut.
(train, dream, dress) (shell, shadow, shirt, shout)
Page 48 Page 57
Riddle 85: your breath Riddle 103: You look sharp!
(bread, grape, tray, branch) (shower, shade, shrimp, shop)
Riddle 86: a brown-e Riddle 104: They ship them.
(broom, crown, drink, prize) (shin, shoe, shield, sheep)
Page 49 Page 58
Riddle 87: by U.S. Snail Riddle 105: a cookie sheet
(snow, stamp, ski, spill) (shawl, shed, shelf, shorts)
Riddle 88: a sponge Riddle 106: on a shell-phone
(spoon, stove, swing, stage) (shark, shine, shield, shovel)
Page 50 Page 59
Riddle 89: stairs Riddle 107: a watchdog
(stem, snake, swim, spears) (witch, branch, torch, arch)
Riddle 90: They squeak! Riddle 108: a pumpkin patch
(square, smell, skate, stick) (peach, match, crutch, beach)
Page 51 Page 60
Riddle 91: a bedspread Riddle 109: March
(spring, screen, spray, squid) (match, catch, church, inch)
Riddle 92: a straw Riddle 110: punch
(string, strap, screw) (peach, couch, lunch, hatch)
Page 52 Page 61
Riddle 93: a cold Riddle 111: They can crash.
(child, fold, bald, gold) (cash, trash, wash, dish)
Riddle 94: I will hold you. Riddle 112: flash cards
(shield, old, build, field) (fish, leash, trash, brush)
Page 53 Page 62
Riddle 95: at the river-bank Riddle 113: your teeth!
(bunk, frank, ink, drink) (bath, tenth, earth, sloth
Riddle 96: He forgot his trunk. Riddle 114: Give me a ring.
(think, rink, skunk, sink) (string, king, sing)
Solve-the-Riddle Phonics Practice © 2010 by Deborah Schecter. Scholastic Teaching Resources