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Grade 3 Word Ladders Worksheet with Answers

Grade 3 (US) · Year 4 (UK) · Class 3 (India) · English

Unit 6: Going FurtherWord PuzzlesChallenge

Climbing from one word to another by changing one letter at a time, using clues. This free upper elementary worksheet has 12 questions and a full answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF — every answer is checked by code, not guessed.

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Word Ladders

Grade 3 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Word Puzzles

Directions: Use the words in the word bank. Each word is used once. Use the pictures to help you.

Word bank

catnutrunbedragbadbitbagbatfoxmadhot

Word bank

catnutrunbedragbadbitbagbatfoxmadhot
  1. 1

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    BIG_ _ _RAGClue:you carry things in it
  2. 2

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    BED_ _ _BATClue:not good
  3. 3

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    DAD_ _ _MAPClue:very angry
  4. 4

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    RUG_ _ _BUNClue:move fast on your feet
  5. 5

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    HIT_ _ _BATClue:a small piece
  6. 6

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    RAN_ _ _RUGClue:an old piece of cloth
  7. 7

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    BAD_ _ _REDClue:you sleep in it
  8. 8

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    BOX_ _ _FOGClue:a wild animal with a bushy tail
  9. 9

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    BIT_ _ _MATClue:you hit a ball with it
  10. 10

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    HAT_ _ _POTClue:very warm
  11. 11

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    NET_ _ _HUTClue:a squirrel eats it
  12. 12

    Change one letter at a time, from the bottom to the top. Use the clue: what is the missing word?

    HAT_ _ _CANClue:a pet that purrs

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Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/3/word_ladders

Answer key (click to show)
  1. 1.bag
  2. 2.bad
  3. 3.mad
  4. 4.run
  5. 5.bit
  6. 6.rag
  7. 7.bed
  8. 8.fox
  9. 9.bat
  10. 10.hot
  11. 11.nut
  12. 12.cat

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How to use this worksheet

  • Use it as a 10–15 minute warm-up or homework task rather than a long drill.
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Guides for teaching Word Ladders

Context Clues: 5 Types with Examples (and How to Teach Them)Definition, synonym, antonym, example and inference clues — how readers work out unknown words without a dictionary, with sample sentences and a classroom routine.7 Reading Comprehension Strategies Every Student Should UsePredict, question, visualize, summarize and more — what good readers do automatically, and how to practise each one.Preventing the Summer Slide: A Simple Plan for the HolidaysStudents can lose ground in math and reading over long breaks. A light, regular routine is enough to keep skills fresh — here's one that fits family life.

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