We have already learned that the letters 'ch' make the /ch/ sound. Let's read this sound together.
Today we are going to learn another way to spell the /ch/ sound!
This is a needle and thread.
We use a needle and thread to make a stitch.
The sounds in stitch are /s/, /t/, /i/, /ch/. The /ch/ sound in stitch is spelled '-tch'. When we see '-tch' together, we read it /ch/. Notice that the 't' in '-tch' is silent. Repeat after me 't', 'c', 'h', stitch, /ch/.
Now let's read some words with '-tch'.
Reading the words with '-tch' is the easy part! Now let's talk about spelling. To help us decide when to spell with '-tch', we have a chant: Immediately after a short vowel, at the end of a one-syllable word, spell /ch/ … 't', 'c', 'h'!
That means if I am spelling a word and I hear a short vowel sound with a /ch/ right after it at the end of the word, I spell the /ch/ sound with '-tch'.
Let's look at the first word again. What does it say? [hatch]
Let's see why it's spelled with '-tch'.
The vowel in this word is 'a'. Is the 'a' closed in? [yes]
So what will the 'a' say? [/ă/]
So if I have /h/, /ă/, /ch/, the /ch/ sound is immediately after a short vowel so I have to spell /ch/ with '-tch.'
Now let's spell a word together! The word is batch. Let's tap the sounds in batch. /b/, /ă/, /ch/.
The last sound here is /ch/. It's at the end of the word and it's after a short vowel. So let's spell it with '-tch'.
Dictation Sheet (Kindergarten)
Dictation Sheet (Grades 1-5)
Teacher Tip
Once students have had time to practice the new rule, you can introduce the four '-tch' rule breakers: which, rich, much, and such. Explain that these common words do not follow the '-tch' rule. The acronym WoRMS is a fun way for students to remember the four '-tch' exceptions. When they come across one of these four words, they can say, "Worms Alert!" to reinforce the skill. Posting the rule breakers (opens in new window) in your classroom can help them remember the words.
