Free printable · beginning blends

L blend words

L blends are pairs like bl, cl and fl, where a consonant is followed by l at the start of a word. Every word on this page has a short vowel straight after the blend, so your child only has to handle one new skill: two sounds at the start.

This page has 37 l blend words in 6 groups, one for each blend.

bl words

  • black
  • blend
  • blink
  • blob
  • block
  • blot

cl words

  • clam
  • clap
  • class
  • clip
  • clock
  • club

fl words

  • flag
  • flap
  • flat
  • fled
  • flip
  • flop

gl words

  • glad
  • glass
  • glint
  • gloss
  • glum

pl words

  • plan
  • plant
  • plop
  • plot
  • plug
  • plum
  • plus

sl words

  • slam
  • sled
  • slid
  • slim
  • slip
  • slot
  • slug

How to use this list

  1. If your child drops the l (reading clap as "cap"), cover everything but the blend, say both sounds, then uncover the rest.
  2. Keep sessions short: a few minutes a day beats one long session a week.
  3. Ask your child to say each sound and then blend them into the word. If they guess from the first letter, cover the word and go sound by sound again.
  4. Print the flashcards, mix them up, and read them out of order once the list feels easy, so your child is reading the word and not remembering the list.

Frequently asked questions

What is a consonant blend?

Two consonants side by side where you can still hear both sounds, like the f and l in flag. That is different from a digraph such as sh, where two letters make one new sound.

Which l blend should we start with?

Any of them. Many children find bl, fl and sl easiest because you can stretch the first sound. Pick a column and read it for a few days before adding another.

My child adds a sound in the middle, like "fuh-lag". Is that a problem?

It is very common. Model the blend without the extra "uh": hold the f, slide into the l. With practice the two sounds join up.

Free: the 10-minute daily phonics routine

Four short steps you can do with your child every day: sounds, blending, reading and a quick chat about the story. One printable page.

We'll email you the 10-minute daily phonics routine, a few short reading tips over the next month, then at most one monthly roundup of new guides. Unsubscribe anytime.

Keep reading

More beginning blends

See all free printables →