Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Spoonerisms Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 4-6 that introduces spoonerisms – the funny word play that swaps the first sounds of two words. Students match spoonerisms to the real phrases they play on and choose the phrase behind each one. A complete answer key is included.
Full Member resource. See what membership includes →
Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Spoonerisms, word play
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A spoonerism happens when the first sounds of two words trade places, turning ‘jelly beans’ into ‘belly jeans’ or ‘a pack of lies’ into ‘a lack of pies.’ Beyond being funny, spoonerisms give students great practice with sounds, spelling, and how small changes flip a word’s meaning – a playful way to strengthen phonological awareness and word knowledge.
Section A gives students 6 spoonerisms and a lettered list of the real phrases they play on; students match each spoonerism to its phrase by writing the letter. Section B presents 4 trickier spoonerisms with two possible source phrases each, and students choose the one whose first sounds were swapped.
The reference box at the top of page 1 defines spoonerism and walks through two worked examples, ‘crushing blow’ to ‘blushing crow’ and ‘sons of toil’ to ‘tons of soil,’ that never appear in the assessed items. Page 2 is a complete answer key in compact format with the matching letter for each Section A item and the correct source phrase for each Section B item.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and have students say ‘jelly beans’ and then swap the first sounds to hear ‘belly jeans.’
Work Section A by matching each spoonerism to the real phrase it plays on; encourage students to say both out loud.
Move to Section B, where students choose between two possible source phrases for each spoonerism.
Use the answer key on page 2 for self-check or aide spot-check.
Pair with the Anagrams Worksheet or Palindromes Worksheet for more word-play practice.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 2 pages · Answer Key
Spoonerisms Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 4-6 that introduces spoonerisms – the funny word play that swaps the first sounds of two words. Students match spoonerisms to the real phrases they play on and choose the phrase behind each one. A complete answer key is included.
This is a Full Member resource
Unlock this worksheet — plus 1,000+ printable worksheets with answer keys across seven subjects, Kindergarten through grade 9. Cancel anytime.
See membership options →Keep Exploring Vocabulary
Related Worksheets
More for Grades 4–6Academic Vocabulary Worksheet · Analogies Worksheet · Borrowed Words Worksheet · Capitonyms Worksheet · Choosing Precise Words Worksheet · Cognates Worksheet