Two Letters Making One Sound… That’s the Consonant Digraph!

Sometimes, initial sounds in words aren’t just one letter…. they’re two! We call these initial digraphs (or beginning digraphs). These are two-letter combinations that make one sound. Some digraphs create vowel sounds, whereas others make consonant sounds.

This sorting activity requires students to look at each picture card, determine the word each represents, then sort the picture according to its beginning consonant digraph. Four sorting mats are included in the resource: th, sh, ch, and wh.

Turn Our Beginning Digraphs Game into More Learning Activities! 

We’ve thought long and hard about it, and we think that this game can actually be put to a LOT of great use. Check out these initial digraph activities that get your whole class or small group engaged and playing along!

Show Me!

This game can be played as a whole-class review activity or with a small group of students. Give each student a mini whiteboard and a whiteboard marker. Project all four of the digraphs sorting mats and one of the picture cards on the screen. Have your students write the digraph for the word in the picture on their board. When everyone has written down their answer, say “Show Me”. Students will flip their boards, allowing you to easily see who needs extra support with this skill.

Write the Room (Scoot Activity)

Hang sheets of poster paper around the room and post a digraph above each one. Individually, or with a partner, have students rotate around the room adding one word that begins with that digraph. Words may be used only once.

Knock Off

Have your students stand up and make a line across the room. Project a picture card on the screen and use our Random Name Selector widget to draw a student’s name to answer. If the student correctly identifies the initial digraph, they tap the person either to their left or right with their elbow. The person who is tapped must return to their seat. If the student answers the card incorrectly, they must sit out. Play continues until there is only one student standing.

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

After sorting all the cards correctly, have students put the cards in alphabetical order, or sort the cards by the number of syllables in each word. 

If students are having trouble decoding the digraphs in each word, encourage the use of a visual reminder in the classroom, like our consonant digraphs poster set.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download. Print this game on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a Teach Starter collaborator. 

More Consonant Digraph Resources

Looking for more resources to support your phonics lesson planning? We have you covered…