Digraph Sound Boxes

Grade level

1st grade

Time

About 15 minutes

Topic

Digraphs and blends

Answer key

Not needed: answers vary

Kids practice

Digraphs, Consonant blends, Spelling rules, Decoding longer words

What kids do

“Two letters, one sound, one box! Say each sound, blend them to read the word, write it, then draw it.”

Printed on the sheet:

1. Sound boxes: one sound in each box. Touch each box as you say its sound, then sweep your finger under the word to blend. The vowel is in the colored box. sh, ch, th and ck share a box: two letters, one sound.

Teacher tip

Two letters share one box because they make one sound. Model one word first.

How to use it

• Say each blend slowly, then quickly, so kids hear both sounds.
• Highlight the digraph or blend in each word before reading.
• Use the sheet as a quick check after you teach the sound, then reteach in a small group.

Watch for

Kids who drop one sound of a blend, like “fog” for frog. Ask them to stretch the word.

Talk about it

• Can you think of another word with this blend?
• Can you think of another word with the same sound?

Take it further

Sort picture cards by blend at a center.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.