Free AR Word List and More!

Phonics Friends, here you'll find a handy AR Word list and worksheets to teach all about the AR word family.

In this post, we’ll explain the Bossy R rule for AR words, provide a detailed list of "ar words," and share free AR word family worksheets for students to practice this new phonics rule.

The Phonics Rule for AR Words:

When "A" and "R" are found together, they say R's name, like a pirate, "ARRRR!" The rule about "R" saying its name when combined with "A" is often taught as "Bossy R."

This phonics rule applies except on some occasions.

Here are the times when -AR doesn't say R's name:

• when AR is followed by a Silent E: share, dare, care, hare, rare, etc.
• when there is a vowel team that includes the a: clear, dear, oar, etc.
• irregular words like war, wart, quart, quarry

Here is a fabulous video to help solidify the rule with kids.

Why Focus on "AR Words"?

The "ar" sound is a common pattern in English, found in many words children encounter frequently. Kids will be expected to read "AR words" during first grade. We need to practice AR words, because when kids are reading phonetically they will likely pronounce the /a/ sound and the /r/ sound separately, misreading words until they understand this rule.

AR Word List Overview and Download

Here is a list of common "ar words" that are perfect for young readers. These words vary in difficulty, making them suitable for different stages of learning. The AR word list pdf has many more words, so make sure to download it!

Basic AR Words:

1. Car
2. Star
3. Bar
4. Far
5. Jar
6. Tar
7. Arm
8. Ark
9. Are (sight word!)

Intermediate AR Words:

1. Dark
2. Farm
3. Hard
4. Park
5. Sharp
6. Card
7. Barn
8. Dart
9. Start
10. Yard
11. Bark
12. Charm
13. March

These words contain consonant blends, another important part of first grade phonics.

Advanced AR Words:

1. Alarm
2. Apart
3. Arctic
4. Charter
5. Market
6. Remark
7. Target
8. Artwork
9. Remarkable

These words are multisyllabic, which makes them a bit harder to read. I would have these as 2nd grade vocabulary words.

Ways To Use Your AR Word List

Here are some practical ways to incorporate the "ar words list" into your teaching routine:

1. Word Sorting Activities- Create a mix of "ar" and non-"ar" words and ask students to sort them into appropriate categories.
2. Flashcards-Use flashcards with "ar words" to improve recognition speed.
3. Spelling Practice- Integrate "ar words" into spelling tests or daily word work. Start with basic words and gradually introduce more complex ones as the child's proficiency improves.
4. Story Writing- Encourage students to write sentences using as many "ar words" as possible. This not only reinforces their understanding but also sparks creativity.
5. Reading Aloud-Select books or passages that include a high frequency of "ar words" and have children read aloud. This helps them become familiar with the sound in context and improves their pronunciation. I love using the phonics passages from UFLI's toolbox.

FREE AR Words Worksheets and Games

1. Match and Write AR Words Worksheet

2. Writing AR Words Practice

2. Roll and Read Game by UFLI toolbox. I use these weekly!

3. Stamp and Cover AR Words List

AR Word Families are just part of it...

Mastering "AR words" is an essential part of literacy development. If you're interested in more word family resources (also free), check out these posts:

• At Word Families
• An Word Families