Fifth/Spelling Word Sort
📢 Digraph Word Sort
Sort words by their digraph — ch, sh, th, or wh. Students learn that some two-letter combinations make a single, unique sound that is different from either letter alone.
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Quick Tip
A digraph is two letters that make one sound (sh, th, ch).
Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes
Digraphs are two letters that together make ONE new sound — unlike blends where both sounds are heard. Emphasise this distinction. Ask students to cover the second letter and note the different sound.
Vocabulary
Digraph: Two letters that together make one new sound (e.g., "ch" in chin).
Consonant Digraph: A digraph made of two consonants (ch, sh, th, wh).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing digraphs with blends — in a digraph the individual letters lose their sounds.
- Sorting "th" words as "t" words.
- Missing digraphs at the end of words (e.g., "fish" has "sh" at the end).
Differentiation
SupportUse picture cards alongside word cards so students can hear and see the digraph at the same time.
ChallengeAsk students to find words where the digraph appears in the middle or end of the word.
Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between a blend and a digraph?
- What sound does "sh" make — does it sound like S or H by itself?
- Can you find a digraph word hiding somewhere in the classroom?
Extension Activities
- Go on a "digraph hunt" in a picture book.
- Sort digraph words into "beginning" and "ending" digraph columns.
- Create a digraph dictionary with one word per digraph.
Parent Tip
Say "ch makes the sound in chair — not C or H alone, but both together." Practise by finding digraph words in a picture book together.
Learning Path
Skill Cluster
Phonics & Word Study
Estimated Time
12 minutes
Skills Practiced
Identify digraphsDistinguish blend from digraph