Let’s Practice Our Consonant Digraphs

An experienced early years teacher has created this phonics digraph activity to help students practice their knowledge of consonant digraphs. With mouth articulation images included for those needing a visual – this is the perfect activity to use during small group activities or as an individual phonics task.

Digraphs included in this printable dominoes set:

• th
• sh
• ch
• wh

Identifying digraphs and their sounds makes it easier for new readers to sound out unfamiliar words. Doing it while they play helps students classify letter combinations and their sounds, making words faster and easier to decode in the future. 

How to Play Our Digraph Matching Game

To play, the domino cards are shuffled and divided equally among players. The player with the Digraph Domino label in the first spot on the domino begins and lays down the domino in the middle of the playing area. Students take turns matching the image with the digraph that it begins with.

For example, if a player were to lay down the “sh | 👍 ” domino, the next player would lay down the “th” for thumb to the right. Gameplay continues in this manner until all of the dominoes have been played.

Scaffolding and Extension Tips + More Digraph Activities

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more.

Students who need the added challenge can sort the dominoes by digraphs.

If students need more support with words they struggle with, encourage them to use a visual reminder like an anchor chart or a digraph poster. 

🔗 Verbs Words-Pictures Chain (Scoot Activity)

Provide each student in your class with a domino. Challenge the students to find both of their other halves, creating one long chain of dominoes. For an extra challenge, ask the students to complete the task in silence!

🔔 Bell Ringer Activity

Leave the cards in a pile, and instruct students to grab one as soon as they enter the classroom. On a piece of paper, have students write the word in the picture and underline the digraph, and come up with a word that uses the digraph on the opposite side of the domino. 

👯‍♀️ Odd Man Out

Place three cards at each station, making sure two cards form a matching digraph set, and the 3rd card doesn’t belong. Student pairs will rotate through each station and identify the digraph pairs, writing their answers on a separate sheet of paper. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.  Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Digraph Activities for the Classroom

Look no further for digraph teaching resources! Check out the activities below: 

teaching resource

Digraph Handwriting - Worksheets

24 digraph worksheets that focus on handwriting and vocabulary activities.