A word ladder is a puzzle that involves changing one letter at a time to create a chain of words, transforming a starting word into a target word. For example, transforming CAT into DOG might involve the sequence CAT, COT, DOT, DOG. This type of puzzle is often introduced in second grade to build vocabulary, spelling skills, and phonemic awareness.
These puzzles provide a playful approach to language learning, encouraging students to experiment with letter combinations and recognize phonetic patterns. They also promote problem-solving skills as students must strategically select letter changes to achieve the desired outcome. This pedagogical tool has been utilized in classrooms for generations, providing a fun, engaging way to enhance literacy.