digraphs for 1st grade

2 min read 06-09-2024

Digraphs are an essential part of learning to read and write, especially for 1st graders. Understanding digraphs helps students recognize sounds and improve their phonemic awareness. In this article, we will explore what digraphs are, provide examples, and suggest fun activities for teaching them to young learners.

What are Digraphs?

A digraph is a combination of two letters that together make one sound. For example, in the word "chop," the letters "ch" form a unique sound that is different from the sounds of "c" and "h" when they are pronounced separately. Digraphs can consist of consonants, vowels, or a combination of both.

Common Consonant Digraphs

Here are some of the most common consonant digraphs:

ch as in "chair"
sh as in "shoe"
th as in "that"
wh as in "whale"
ph as in "phone"

Vowel Digraphs

Vowel digraphs are combinations of two vowels that create a single sound. Here are a few examples:

ai as in "rain"
ea as in "bread"
oa as in "boat"
oo as in "moon"

Activities for Teaching Digraphs

Teaching digraphs can be fun and engaging! Here are some activities to help your 1st graders learn digraphs effectively:

1. Digraph Flashcards

Create flashcards with digraphs and corresponding images. For example, a card with "sh" and a picture of a "shoe." This visual aid helps students associate sounds with letters.

2. Digraph Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt around the classroom or home. Have students find objects that start with specific digraphs. For example, they can look for items that start with "ch," "sh," or "wh."

3. Digraph Bingo

Create bingo cards featuring different digraphs. Call out words, and students will cover the corresponding digraph on their cards. The first to get a line or full card wins!

4. Digraph Storytime

Choose a book that includes several digraphs. Read the book aloud and pause to emphasize the digraphs. Encourage students to listen for the digraphs as you read.

5. Digraph Art

Let students create an art project that represents a digraph. For example, they can draw a "chick" for "ch" or a "ship" for "sh." This combines creativity with learning!

Conclusion

Digraphs play a crucial role in the literacy development of 1st graders. By incorporating fun and interactive activities, teachers and parents can help young learners grasp these essential sound combinations. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, students will confidently recognize and use digraphs in their reading and writing!