KS1 English · Phonics · Year 1
Digraphs: sh, ch and th
Two letters, one sound — read and spell words with sh, ch and th.
About 15 minutes
Step 1 · Wonder why it matters
Hook
Shhh!
When you want someone to be quiet, what sound do you make? “Shhh!”
That sound is made with two letters: s and h. When two letters team up to make one sound, we call them a digraph.
Step 2 · See it
Picture
See the sounds
Each digraph has two letters but makes just one sound.
| Digraph | Sound like… | Words |
|---|---|---|
| sh | a quiet “shhh” | ship, shop, fish, wish |
| ch | a train “ch-ch” | chip, chin, much, lunch |
| th | tongue between teeth | this, that, thin, bath |
Step 3 · Understand how it works
Logic
Blending
To read a word, say each sound and then blend them together.
The word “ship” has four letters but only three sounds: sh – i – p. The two letters s and h make one sound, so we say them together.
- Digraph
- Two letters that make one sound.
- Blend
- Push the sounds together to say the word.
Worked example
Read the word “chop”.
- 1Spot the digraph: ch.
- 2Say the sounds: ch – o – p.
- 3Blend them faster and faster.
Answer: chop
Step 4 · Have a go
Do
Have a go
Grab a pencil and some paper.
- 1Write sh, ch and th in big letters on three pieces of paper.
- 2A grown-up says a word, like “shell” or “chick”. Point to the digraph you hear.
- 3Go on a sound hunt: find three things at home that have sh, ch or th in their name.
- 4Write one word for each digraph, and draw a picture to match.
Step 5 · Remember it
Recall
Quick quiz
Listen to the sounds in your head as you read.
0 of 4 answered
1.Which word has the “sh” sound?
2.How many sounds are in “chin”?
3.Which digraph finishes this word: ba__ (where you wash)?
4.What is a digraph?
Step 6 · Link it to your world
Reflect
Think about it
Digraphs are hiding in lots of words you already know.
Which digraph is in your name, or in the name of someone you love?
Saved to your notebook on this device only.
Finished all six steps?
Mark it complete to collect 3 stars. Next up: Capital letters and full stops.