digraph blends examples

less than a minute read 06-09-2024

In the realm of phonics, digraphs and blends play a crucial role in helping students understand the sounds that letters can make. This article explores what digraphs and blends are, along with examples to illustrate their use.

What are Digraphs?

A digraph is a combination of two letters that make one sound. This can include combinations of vowels or consonants. Here are a few examples:

ch as in cheese
sh as in shoe
th as in think
ph as in phone

These letter pairs produce sounds that are distinct from the sounds of the individual letters.

What are Blends?

Blends, on the other hand, consist of two or more consonants that are pronounced together, with each consonant retaining its sound. Examples of blends include:

bl as in blue
st as in star
cr as in crane
fl as in flower

In blends, you can hear each letter's sound, which is different from the complete sound produced in a digraph.

Examples of Digraphs and Blends in Words

Digraph Examples

ch: church, chocolate
sh: shark, shine
th: thunder, three
ph: phantom, pharmacy

Blend Examples

br: bridge, brush
cl: clock, class
sn: snake, snow
tw: twinkle, twist

How to Teach Digraphs and Blends

When teaching students about digraphs and blends, it can be helpful to:

Use Visuals: Incorporate images that represent words containing digraphs and blends to reinforce the sounds.
Engage in Games: Create games that encourage students to identify and use digraphs and blends in various contexts.
Incorporate Reading: Choose books that highlight digraphs and blends so students can see them in action.

Conclusion

Understanding digraphs and blends is fundamental in developing strong reading and spelling skills. By providing plenty of examples and engaging teaching methods, educators can help students become more proficient in their phonics skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, students will master these essential elements of language.