Phonics Seesaw
Phonics Reader – Bug
Free Online Phonics Story for Beginning Readers
Welcome to our collection of free online phonics stories — short illustrated tales designed to help children practice phonics skills, short vowel sounds, and CVC words. Each story uses a limited set of letter–sound combinations to strengthen decoding, fluency, and confidence in early readers.
Bug is one of the first stories in this early phonics series. In this playful short story, Pip sits on a log. A bug bites Pip! Pip runs — but the bug is back. “Run, Pip, run!” The repetition and simple sentences make this story perfect for children just beginning to sound out words on their own.
About This Story
This phonics reader focuses on short vowel patterns and common consonant sounds. Words like pip, sit, bug, run, log, and back give children multiple chances to blend and decode familiar sounds. It’s an excellent resource for phonics lessons, small group reading, or independent literacy practice.
Letter–Sound Correspondence
Short Vowels
- /ă/ sound spelled a (back)
- /ĭ/ sound spelled i (pip, sits, is, bit)
- /ŏ/ sound spelled o (on, log)
- /ŭ/ sound spelled u (bug, run)
Consonants
- /b/ sound spelled b (but, bug, back)
- /g/ sound spelled g (log, bug)
- /k/ sound spelled ck (back)
- /n/ sound spelled n (run)
- /p/ sound spelled p (pip)
- /r/ sound spelled r (run)
- /s/ sound spelled s (sits, runs)
- /t/ sound spelled t (sits, bit)
- /z/ sound spelled s (is)
Why This Story Supports Phonics Learning
- Targets short vowel sounds (/ă/, /ĭ/, /ŏ/, /ŭ/) and simple CVC patterns.
- Uses repetition and familiar sounds to build decoding fluency.
- Engages children with playful text and predictable structure.
- Great for phonics lessons, guided reading, or early literacy centers.
Explore More Phonics Readers
This phonics story series features dozens of short illustrated tales for beginning readers. Each focuses on specific letter–sound relationships to support phonemic awareness and confidence with early reading skills.
Visit ClassPlayground.com for more phonics stories and phonics printables to reinforce early reading at school or at home.