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Learn all about VCV Words! These FREE printable VCV word lists include 84 words and examples organized in two easy-to-read charts. The words are organized into V/CV words (Tiger words) and VC/V words (Camel words) and are great for reading, dictation, and syllabication practice.
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About VCV Words
VCV words are multisyllabic words that follow this specific pattern:Vowel-Consonant-Vowel. In both of these patterns, one consonant comes between two vowels. They are sometimes called Tiger words (V/CV) and Camel words (VC/V).
- Tiger words follows the V/CV pattern: We divide before the consonant, making the first syllable open with a long vowel sound. The word ti/ger follows this syllable division pattern.
- Camel words follows the VC/V pattern: We divide after the consonant, making the first syllable closed with a short vowel sound. The word cam/el follows this syllable division pattern.
The question is: When we come to a word with the VCV pattern, where do we divide? Before the consonant V/CV or after the consonant VC/V? How do we know if it’s a tiger word or a lion word?
Here’s what to do: We teach kids to try the Tiger rule first because 75% of VCV words will follow this pattern. If dividing before the consonant doesn’t work to create a real word, then they should try the camel rule.
🤔 For further clarification and a deeper explanation of this, read all about Syllabication rules.
Tiger and Camel Word Syllabication
The reader needs to know the two-syllable division patterns V/CV and VC/V to apply when they see this pattern.
🐯 Tiger Rule: When one consonant comes between two vowels, try dividing after the first vowel to create an open syllable (long vowel).
🐪 Camel Rule: When one consonant comes between two vowels, and the V/CV does not make a real word, try dividing after the consonant to create a closed syllable (short vowel).
🐅 V/CV Tiger Words & Examples
Below are 42 V/CV words, where the first syllable is open and makes a long vowel sound.
🖨️ Get the printable versions of these lists at the bottom of this post!
| recess | began | human |
| lazy | poker | moment |
| Friday | meter | pony |
| recent | labor | basin |
| broken | bacon | protect |
| even | polo | solo |
| fever | silent | humid |
| truly | lazy | diver |
| music | unit | vital |
| pilot | ruler | motor |
| report | super | rodent |
| flavor | label | recite |
| razor | major | slogan |
| vacant | over | refuse |
🐪 VC/V Camel Words & Examples
Below are 42 VC/V Words, where the first syllable is closed and makes a short vowel sound.
🖨️ Get the printable versions of these lists at the bottom of this post!
| seven | rapid | melon |
| rebel | study | quiver |
| dragon | clinic | second |
| timid | legend | level |
| tonic | linen | limit |
| topic | menu | medal |
| camel | proper | tepid |
| solid | ravel | punish |
| banish | river | prison |
| magic | radish | second |
| panic | pedal | level |
| avid | rapid | travel |
| cavern | closet | visit |
| profit | model | relish |
Practice Ideas
There are tons of great ways to use these word lists so kids can get lots of practice reading two-syllable words accurately!
- Pair these word lists with our Syllabication Rules and Patterns posters to create an interactive notebook. Trim and staple in students’ phonics notebooks for easy reference.
- Fluency practice. Children can read/reread the words on this list. Use a timer for extra motivation!
- Create your own sorts using the words. Children can cut out the words, sort them according to the Tiger or Camel patterns, and then glue them into their notebooks.
- Keep the list near your small group reading table, and pull it out when it’s time for word dictation.
- Send a copy home so parents can practice these words with their children. This helps them know how to support learning at home!
If you’re looking for resources for targeted syllabication practice, visit our TPT store and get our Syllabication Worksheets for under $2.
Recommended Resources
Check out some more of our FREE syllable resources to make teaching easy!
- 82 VC/CV Rabbit Words
- 36 Lion Words
- Syllable Division Worksheets
- 6 Syllable Types – Free Anchor Chart
And check out some of our best-selling TPT resources!
🖨️ Download & Print
We’d love to hear about how you’re using these word lists with your students. Please leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram@literacylearn!
V/CV Tiger Words
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VC/V Camel Words List
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