Looking for a simple activity to help your students learn the sounds of consonant digraphs? Try this one!
(This post contains affiliate links.)
My Four knows his letter sounds very well, thanks to many months of hands-on alphabet activities. While he’s not quite ready to sound out words, there’s a lot of learning we can do in the meantime.
Up next: consonant digraphs!
For this activity we focused on the common beginning digraphs: sh, ch, th, and wh.
Before we tackled digraphs, I pulled out some familiar letter sound pages. I thought it would be good to start with something my Four knows well: beginning vowels and consonants.
First he named the main picture, isolated the beginning sound, and found pictures whose names began the same.
“Umbrella. Uh, uh, umbrella.”
He covered the correct pictures with poker chips.
He did a few more pages, including this one for letter w.
Next, I pulled out our new digraph pages. I showed him that in this case, two letters make one sound. We said the word “shark” together and said the sound of sh slowly. “Shhhhh.”
My Four looked up. “Mommy! That’s the sound you make when you tell me to be quiet!”
This is our child who happens to have just one volume (LOUD), so he hears that a lot. 😉
Next, he found pictures that began with /ch/ as in chick. He did a great job!
Next up was /wh/ as in whale.
And /th/ as in thumb.
Not pictured are the kn and ph mats. I included them in case you’d like them, but so few words begin with those sounds that I don’t think it’s necessary to practice them at this stage of the game – unless you want to.
To play:
- Print the free download at the end of this post on sturdy cardstock. (I like this brand.)
- Cut down the center of each page.
- Provide poker chips or other manipulatives.
- Have your child name the featured picture at the bottom and cover the other pictures whose names begin the same. The exception is the ph mat, where you’ll find the sound in the middle of words, too.
Wait! Before you go, download these too!
© 2016 – 2018, Anna G. All rights reserved.
Amanda says
Thank you for sharing these easy to use resources. They will be handy for my Kindergarten students to use independently.
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Amanda!
Donald Knight says
I am somewhat challenged…what is the procedure for the digraph games?
Anna Geiger says
Just print the mats and give your child counters to cover the pictures that start with the digraph at the bottom of each mat. We like to use poker chips because they fit perfectly.
Lyn says
Anna, these look great. thanks for sharing
Lyn
Anna Geiger says
Thank you, Lyn!
Kimberly says
Hi, I am unable to download this, I am also unable to click on the help button.
Any ideas what I could do?
Anna Geiger says
Sorry about that, Kimberly! I forgot to link the help button to my help page. It’s here: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/
Kelly says
These are perfect for my son, looking forward to playing with him. I don’t know how you have the time to make these learning games, but thanks!
Anna Geiger says
I hope you get a chance to use these, Kelly! 🙂
Elaine says
Thank you for creating these fun and visual ways to learn digraphs
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Elaine!
Rachel says
Many many thanks for these Anna. These are helpful and they’ve got me excited! Cant wait to start them with my son.
Anna Geiger says
I’m so glad you can use these, Rachel!
Kate says
What lovely, colourful and well thought out resources. I am working with an 8-9 year old who is struggling to read. These will really help make the sessions fun. Thank you so much for sharing.
Kate
Anna Geiger says
Thank you so much, Kate! I hope your learner enjoys these!
Rachel says
Thank you these will be very useful.
Anna Geiger says
I’m glad you can use them, Rachel!
Liza says
Thank you so much for your generosity! I love your stuff!!!!
Anna Geiger says
You’re welcome, Liza! 🙂
Nikhila Joseph says
Thank you so much!!!! These are awesome!!! I work at a therapy center that’s stingy with the materials they provide for Special Ed and these will work great for my kids!!! God bless.
Anna Geiger says
I’m so glad to hear these will work for your learners, Nikhila! 🙂
Sumbal says
The work you prepare is marvellous. It will be so useful. Thankyou and God bless u.
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Sumbal! Thank you for the kind words!
Naeemah says
Thank you for all you do!! These activities fit perfectly into my classroom!
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Naeemah! Thank you so much for the kind words!
Nancy Winters says
Thank You Anna for sharing these wonderful resources with us! My kids loves these and keep asking me if i have any more with different digraphs 🙂
Sincerely, Nancy
Anna G says
Hi Nancy! Those are in the subscriber library. 🙂
Tazeen says
Thanks Anna, its very helpful… I am loving it…..
Anna G says
You’re welcome, Tazeen!
Melissa Daenzer says
I just wanted to say many thanks for your great free resources! I have an income daycare ages 3-6! The K loves all the learning tools I get from your list! These are awesome and fun!
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Melissa!