3.2 Explicitly Teach Consonant Digraphs

Now it’s time to teach! 

Here's a research-based approach that we recommend, with examples of language you could use if this is new to you. This section focuses on how to introduce the digraph 'ch'. See the full lesson plan for teaching 'ch' (opens in new window), as well as plans for the other consonant digraphs, in our lesson plans section.

To begin the lesson on 'ch', explain that a digraph is two letters that come together to make one new sound. This may be the first time students are learning that two graphemes can represent one phoneme. Each digraph gets one "tap" when sounding out words with digraphs.

You’ll want to introduce each digraph separately to keep students from confusing different digraph sounds. You can start with 'ch', then 'sh', and next 'th'. Then you can introduce 'wh' and 'ph' for sound recognition.

These are the flash cards with keyword pictures you’ll use for these sounds:

First, show students the keyword picture card for 'ch'.

Say,

This is a chair. I hear /ch/ as the first sound.

When 'c' and 'h' are together they say /ch/. 'Ch' is called a digraph. What is a digraph again?

Have students repeat the definition of a digraph.

Say,

When I see this card, I am going to say the letter names, the picture, then the sound the letters make when they come together. 'C', 'h', chair, /ch/.

Have students repeat, "'c', 'h', chair, /ch/."

Show students the card with just the letters ‘ch’. Tell them that when they see that card they are going to say /ch/.

Next you’ll do an activity called Switch It with words that have the digraph 'ch'. Grab your letter flash cards without pictures, including digraphs (opens in new window). 

First place down the 'ch' card. Have students say the sound /ch/. Remind students that /ch/ gets one tap because it is one sound.

Put down the three flash cards to make the word chat ('ch', 'a', 't'). Together with your students, tap /ch/, /ă/, /t/, and then blend to say chat.

Then place the 'p' card on top of the 't'.

Together with your students, tap the sounds /ch/, /ă/, /p/, and blend to read chap.

Continue placing letters down to build the real and nonsense words below:

• chat
• chap
• chip
• chop
• chup
• chum
• chun
• chin

Next you’ll do dictation.

Say a word and have students segment it (if needed) and then write it on paper like this Roller Coaster Dictation Sheet (opens in new window). Use words from the list of words, phrases, and sentences (opens in new window).

Now its time for students to practice reading with fluency! 

Start with the Digraph 'ch' Student Read Sheet with Words (opens in new window). When students are ready, they can practice reading more phrases and sentences using the Digraph ‘ch’ Student Read Sheet with Words, Phrases, and Sentences (opens in new window).