Consonant Digraphs: sh, ch, th
Learn digraphs sh, ch and th to read words like ship, chip and thin. A fun phonics lesson for ages 4-6 with flashcards and word-building games.
Key takeaways
- A digraph is two letters that make one sound
- sh, ch and th each make a brand-new sound
- Watch for digraphs at the start or end of words
Two letters, one new sound
A digraph is when two letters team up to make one new sound. You do not say each letter on its own. Let's meet sh, ch and th!
The sh sound
sh makes a quiet shhh sound, like when we ask everyone to be quiet.
- sh + ip = ship 🚢
- sh + ell = shell 🐚
- fi + sh = fish 🐟
The ch sound
ch makes a ch-ch sound, like a little train.
- ch + ip = chip 🍟
- ch + in = chin 🙂
- ch + eese = cheese 🧀
The th sound
th is made by gently putting your tongue between your teeth.
- th + in = thin 📏
- th + umb = thumb 👍
- ba + th = bath 🛁
A little word list
Read these digraph words out loud:
- ship 🚢
- fish 🐟
- chip 🍟
- cheese 🧀
- thumb 👍
- bath 🛁
Try the games below to build digraph words!
Digraphs are different from consonant blends, where you hear both letters. Keep practising by blending sounds into words.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
What sound do the letters sh make in 'ship'?
sh makes one quiet shhh sound, like asking for hush.
Which word has the ch sound?
Chip starts with the ch sound.
How many sounds does a digraph make?
A digraph is two letters that make only one sound.
Play & learn
Digraph cards +5 XP
Completed ✓ +5 XP
Build the digraph words +10 XP
Completed ✓ +10 XP
FAQ
A digraph is two consonants that work together to make one new sound, like sh in ship.
Digraphs can come at the start (ship), the end (fish) or even in the middle of a word.
Keep exploring
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