PHONICS PLAY BY BROLLY JUNIORS
Digraphs vs Blends: A Parent-friendly Comparison
A digraph uses two letters to represent one sound, such as sh in ship. In a consonant blend, the individual sounds remain audible, such as s and t in stop.
Hear sh in ship
The first sound in ship is written sh. Do not split it into the separate sounds of s and h when reading this word. Ship has four letters but three sounds: /sh/ /i/ /p/.
Hear st in stop
In stop, you can hear /s/ followed by /t/. Keep both sounds when blending the word. The two letters sit together, but they have not become one sound.
Compare a few examples
Digraph examples: sh in ship, ch in chip and th in thin. Blend examples: st in stop, cl in clap and fr in frog. These examples describe these words; English spellings can vary in other words.
Use counters for sounds
Put down one counter for each sound you hear. For ship, use three counters even though the word has four letters. For stop, use four. Then place the letters below, keeping sh together over its one counter.
Choose listening over memorising labels
Your child can practise hearing and reading the pattern before remembering the word digraph. Listen to an English model, look at the spelling and try one example. Return to the relevant curriculum pattern for another small step.
Try the next step.
In the app, look for Sound Sorter.
Practical guidance from Kids English Phonics. Examples are for parent-supported practice; individual needs and progress vary.
A LITTLE PRACTICE. A BIG ADVENTURE.
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