Sorting Consonant Digraphs

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

1

Overview

In this small group activity, the teacher will provide instruction on the sound-spelling correspondences for common consonant digraphs. The students will practice the sound-spelling correspondence for the consonant digraphs ch, sh, th, and wh. Students will sort and match pictures to the correct consonant digraph.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 1

ELA21.1.R2

Use knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences and word analysis skills to decode and encode words accurately.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.1.R2

Vocabulary

  • Decode
  • Encode
  • Phoneme-grapheme correspondences
  • Word-analysis skills

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Phoneme (sound) to grapheme (letter or letters) correspondences to encode (spell) words accurately.
  • Grapheme (letter or letters) to phoneme (sound) correspondences to decode (read) words accurately.
  • Word-analysis skills.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Encode and decode words accurately using knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences.
  • Encode and decode words accurately using word analysis skills.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Mapping graphemes to phonemes is essential for learning to read or decode words efficiently.
  • Mapping phonemes to graphemes is essential for learning to spell or encode words efficiently.
  • Analyzing a word's structure helps to read and spell a word.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will match pictures to the correct sound-spelling correspondence for the consonant digraphs ch, sh, and wh.

Activity Details

1. Explain to students that sometimes two letters work together to make a new sound. Tell students that consonant digraphs are two consonants that make a new sound when they are put together.

2. Write the consonant digraphs ch, sh, th and wh on the board. Point to the ch and make the sound /ch/. Then have each student touch the ch and produce the sound. Repeat the process with the consonant digraphs sh, th, and wh.

3. Tell students that we can listen for the sounds of consonant digraphs in words. Using the Consonant Digraph Sorting Pictures tool, place each of the consonant digraphs on the table facing the students. Have students touch or trace each consonant digraph with a finger and produce its sound.

4. Tell students you will say a word that includes one of the consonant digraphs. After you say the word, have students touch the corresponding digraph. First, say each word normally. Then segment the word and produce each phoneme separately. Then say the word again.

  • chair  - /ch/ /a/ /r/ - chair
  • sheep - /sh/ /e/ /p/ - sheep
  • why - /wh/ /i/ - why
  • this - /th/ /i/ /s/ - this
  • bush - /b/ /u/ /sh/ - bush
  • lunch - /l/ /u/ /n/ /ch/ - lunch
  • both - /b/ /o/ /th/ - both

5.  Next, tell students they will now match pictures to the correct consonant digraph. Provide a model by holding up one of the pictures from the Consonant Digraph Sorting Pictures tool. Use the following think-aloud model to guide students through determining the correct correspondence.

  • This is a picture of a chipmunk. Listen. Chipmunk. The first sound I hear in chipmunk is /ch/. The letters ch make the sound /ch/. I'll place the picture of the chipmunk with the letters ch.

Hold up each picture -OR- hand out pictures to the students in the group. Have students say the word for the picture aloud, identify the correct consonant digraph, and place the picture with the digraph.

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Observe students' performance as they progress through the activity in order to judge mastery. Mastery is achieved when students reach 80% or better sound-spelling correspondence.

Variation Tips

ELL: The digital tool Consonant Digraph Cue Card can be used to give students additional visual reinforcements for the consonant digraph sounds.

Enrichment: Advanced students can use the digital tool Phonics Mini Books: Consonant Digraphs to practice reading words with consonant digraphs in context.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Make and laminate at least one copy of the digital tool Consonant Digraph Sorting Pictures. Additional copies may be necessary if the teacher wishes each student to have practice matching each picture in the tool.

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

ghenderson
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