Crack the Code | 80 SEND Word Puzzles

Practise letter recognition and word reading with 80 reusable picture-code cards, a pupil picture key and teacher answer notes. Designed for SEN/SEND support.

How the game works

Each picture stands for the first written letter of its fixed name. Pupils find the letters, then read the revealed word using phonics already taught. For example, ice supplies the letter i. This is a letter-code puzzle followed by word reading; the picture names’ first sounds are not blended to solve the code.

What is included

• One 53-page A4 master PDF.
• 80 unique cards across four word bands, with two large cards per page (40 card pages).
• A three-page illustrated pupil key covering the 22 pictures used in the codes.
• A pupil routine and worked example showing how sh works together when reading.
• Three pages of adult guidance on selection, preparation, access and next steps.
• Four adult answer pages with notes on patterns to check or teach first.
• An observation sheet separating code support, response method and word reading.
• A nine-page preview made from genuine master pages; these are samples, not extra cards.

Choose words by what has been taught

Band 1 contains CVC words and words with final adjacent consonants. Band 2 adds adjacent consonants and patterns such as sh, ch, ai, ee and igh. Band 3 includes more vowel spellings and two-syllable words. Band 4 includes more complex or unusual spellings, such as friend, island, people and through.

The bands are not age or attainment levels and do not form a phonics teaching sequence. Use the answer notes to select suitable words and teach unfamiliar correspondences first, in line with your existing phonics programme.

Practical SEND access

Use one card at a time and cover the unused card. Pupils can write, say, point to or select letters. Keep the picture key available, rehearse fixed picture names and record any prompts. Looking up code letters is supported practice; an adult reading the target word is modelling, rather than independent decoding evidence.

Print the pages needed at A4, actual size / 100%. A pencil is sufficient. Reusable sleeves and wipe-clean pens are optional; movable letters are adult-provided if used. Cutting and laminating are optional.

Suitable for supported primary word work and older learners with SEND when the selected words match their current learning. Useful for 1:1 work, small groups and short literacy sessions. This is supplementary practice, not a complete phonics programme, a diagnostic assessment or evidence of spelling from dictation.