Ned's New Top

Short O Kindergarten CVC Foundations
Ned's New Top
Ned's New Top, page 1
1Ned got a new top. He sat on a big log to play.
Ned's New Top, page 2
2His dog, Gus, ran up. Gus got on the log.
Ned's New Top, page 3
3"Do not hop on my top, Gus!" said Ned. But Gus hit the top.
Ned's New Top, page 4
4It fell. Ned was sad. Gus got it. "Good dog!" said Ned.
Circle or highlight all the target words in the story above.

Comprehension Questions

After reading, ask these questions to check understanding:

  1. Where did Ned sit to play with his top?
  2. What did Ned’s dog Gus do to the top?
  3. Who got the top after it fell?
Keep practicing
Practice Short O with 10 more free worksheets

Picture worksheets to read, match and spell short o words, plus this story's word sort, phrasing cards and word search.

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Ned's New Top printed mini-book cover Download Mini-Book
Full-color picture book • Print, cut & staple • No signup required
Read-aloud version (one page per sheet, for projecting)

Reader Details

Phonics Skill Short O
Grade Level Kindergarten
Phase CVC Foundations
Worksheets Short O Worksheets

Target Words

hot pot dot got lot not top hop mop pop dog log

Sight Words

the is a and to was it on his her

More Short O Readers

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Free kindergarten reading comprehension sheets, built from the same short-vowel words as this book. Black and white, with answer keys.

See the kindergarten sheets →
← Pat and the Hot Log Peg's Hot Pan →

About This Decodable Reader

“Ned's New Top” is a free printable decodable reader designed for kindergarten students practicing short o phonics patterns. This mini-book uses phonetically controlled vocabulary so beginning readers can successfully sound out nearly every word in the story, building confidence and reinforcing the specific phonics skills they're learning.

The free PDF is a full-color illustrated mini-book: a cover, four picture pages with one or two lines of story text each, and a back page listing the short o words, high-frequency words, and discussion questions. Print the three sheets, cut each one in half along the dashed line, and staple — your child has a real little book to hold. A read-aloud version with one large page per sheet is also included for projecting to the whole class.

This reader is part of our collection of free decodable readers organized by phonics skill and aligned with the Science of Reading. For additional practice with short o patterns, try our short o phonics worksheets which include word sorts, phrasing practice cards, and rapid naming charts.