Phonics Word Builder
Build spelling from ordered sound cues using only the word entries you supply or the two short original examples. Each entry declares its language variety, source and usage rights, and may have up to three explicitly permitted segmentations. The tool checks the chosen tile order against that entry; it never guesses a pronunciation from spelling.
Key features
- Original cat and ship teaching examples, explicitly labelled as approximate General American illustrations
- Up to three user-defined segmentation paths per word with exact whole-word coverage
- Keyboard-operable sound and spelling tiles with undo, retry, reveal and position feedback
- Distinct language variety, source title, optional HTTPS link and rights note for every entry
- Strict versioned JSON import and export with malformed input rejected before replacement
- All editing and checking remain in browser memory, without a dictionary API or upload
How to use
- Load the short original example or add a word you are allowed to use, including variety and source details.
- Write each permitted path as one grapheme | /sound/ pair per line; leave a blank line between alternative paths.
- Start one path and select spelling tiles in the order of the displayed sound cues using click, Enter or Space.
- Check the complete sequence, correct a misplaced tile, or explicitly reveal the supplied mapping.
- Export your versioned JSON deck if you want to continue after leaving the page.
Use cases
- A teacher creates a licensed short-word set for a particular classroom variety
- A learner practices the order of a two-letter grapheme and its labelled sound
- An editor keeps two permitted segmentations of a word separate rather than auto-generating a rule
Frequently asked questions
Does this know how every English word is pronounced?
No. It checks only the explicitly supplied paths in the current deck. The two original examples are teaching illustrations, not a comprehensive or independently verified pronunciation dictionary.
Are the sound labels correct for every accent?
No. The entry records its language variety. The built-in labels approximate one General American classroom convention; your own word may differ by speaker, dialect and context.
Can one word have more than one segmentation?
Yes. Store up to three permitted paths for one word. Each path must join back to the exact written word, and the learner chooses which path to practice.
Why must I enter a source and rights note?
The app does not grant rights to third-party dictionary data. Add only entries you wrote or have permission to use, and keep the source and usage basis with each word.
Can I use the exercise without dragging?
Yes. Every tile is a normal button. Use Tab to reach it and Enter or Space to add it; select an assembled tile to remove it.
Will my deck remain after reload?
No. Data stays in this browser tab's memory. Download the versioned JSON and import it later. Invalid imports do not replace the current deck.
Privacy
Entries, answers and imported JSON are processed in this browser tab only. Nothing is automatically saved or uploaded. Export a local JSON file before leaving if you want to keep your deck. Opening an optional source link leaves this site.
Comments & questions