Digraphs for 5-year-olds

A digraph is two letters that work together to make one sound. We will learn some common digraphs: sh, ch, th, wh, and ck. We will listen, say the sounds, and play games.

What to do first (step by step)

1. Show the letters: Hold up the two letters (for example, s + h) and say the digraph name: "sh".
2. Make the sound: Say the sound slowly: "shhhhh" (like when we want someone to be quiet). Let the child copy your mouth shape and sound.
3. Give examples: Say short words with that sound and point to pictures or objects: ship, fish, shop.
4. Listen in words: Say a word and ask, "Do you hear the sh sound?" Help them clap or put a finger down when they hear it.
5. Practice reading and writing: Show the letters together, blend them, and let the child trace or write them. Then read a simple word with the digraph.

Digraphs and simple examples

• sh — ship, fish, shop (sound: shhh)
• ch — chip, chair, chin (sound: ch-ch)
• th — thumb, think, this (sound: put tongue gently between teeth for th)
• wh — what, when, wheel (sound: like a light blowing or a quick whoo)
• ck — duck, sock, back (two letters that make the /k/ sound after a short vowel)

Five fun activities

• Whisper or shout: For sh say "shh" quietly; for ch make a popping sound. Let the child whisper or gently shout the sound.
• Treasure hunt: Hide picture cards around the room. When the child finds one, they say the word and tell which digraph they heard.
• Sorting game: Put picture cards in a pile and have three boxes labeled sh, ch, th (or pictures representing them). Child sorts each card into the right box.
• Sound detective: Say a word and the child taps their nose if they hear the target digraph.
• Write-and-draw: Child writes the digraph (or traces it) and draws a picture of a word with that digraph (fish for sh, chair for ch).

Short practice words to read together

• sh: ship, fish, shop
• ch: chip, chin, chair
• th: thumb, bath, this
• wh: what, when, wheel
• ck: duck, sock, back

Tiny sentences to try

• The fish is in the ship.
• I sit on the red chair.
• Put the duck in the sack.

Tips for grown-ups

• Keep lessons short (5–10 minutes) and fun.
• Praise effort: "Great listening!" or "I love how you said that sound!"
• If a child confuses sounds, go back to listening and mouth practice: show where the tongue and lips go.
• Repeat often with games and books that have those sounds.

Have fun listening for digraphs and making silly sounds together. Little, playful steps help children learn best!