What are consonant digraphs?
Consonant digraphs are 2 consonants that work together to make a new sound. Teaching consonant digraphs may seem like a daunting task but it’s really not that different from teaching letters and sounds. In this post, I will share how I teach consonant digraphs. The readily accepted digraphs are TH, SH, CH, WH, and NG for Kindergarten and then review those and add PH in first grade. Note I also teach CK with digraphs but it is not a digraph it is another spelling for the /k/ sound. A multisensory trick I use is we cross our fingers for a digraph
and just put them side by side for a blend to remind us digraphs make one sound and a blend has two.
When do you introduce consonant digraphs?
After teaching all the letters and sounds and working on short vowels and blending I introduce digraphs. In Kindergarten this is usually the 3rd quarter and in first grade, it is the first quarter.
How do you teach consonant digraphs?
As with other phonics concepts my approach is direct, explicit instruction. I introduce each digraph, we practice making the sound and we have a picture clue. You can do this with a phonics program like my Krafty Phonics Unit 3 or posters like are found in my digraphs pack.
We then practice blending using the digraph with short vowels and identifying if the digraph is at the beginning middle or end and after other digraphs are introduced; which digraph they hear.
First introduce these concepts to the whole group as mentioned above. You can help personalize the learning by making a chart of the digraphs and who in the class has them in their name as shown below.
Then check for understanding to see who needs more practice. This can then be done as Tier 2 Intervention in small groups.
It is important to note that short vowel sounds take precedence over digraphs. Make sure students have short vowel sounds down and can blend CVC words before worrying about mastering digraphs.
Having an anchor chart or posters up after teaching will provide reminders and support for students.
These posters are available in my Digraph Resource which you can find HERE.
I hope this helps you with some strategies for teaching consonant digraphs.
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