Learning to read can be tricky, especially with all the different sounds in English.
Two things that often confuse students are digraphs and diphthongs.
These letter pairs may look simple, but sound very different.
The content explains what digraphs and diphthongs are in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner.
You’ll also find helpful resources to teach them in your classroom.
It’s time to make phonics less confusing and a lot more exciting for your students!
What are Digraphs and Diphthongs?
Digraphs and diphthongs are important building blocks for reading and speaking English.
Digraphs happen when two letters join forces to make a single sound.
Common examples include “sh” in ship, “ch” in chair, and “th” in think.
Diphthongs occur when two vowel sounds blend together in one syllable.
You can hear diphthongs in words like “boil” (oi), “cloud” (ou), and “cake” (a-e).
Learning these sound patterns helps children decode unfamiliar words.
When kids understand that “ph” makes an “f” sound, they can tackle words like “phone” or “elephant” with confidence.
Recognizing diphthongs helps them pronounce words correctly.
What are Related Phonetic Elements?
Beyond digraphs and diphthongs, there are other important sound patterns that help young readers decode and pronounce words with confidence. These include:
1. Blends
Two or more consonants where each sound is still heard.
Example: “bl” in blue, “gr” in green.
2. Vowel Teams
Two vowels that work together to make one sound.
Example: “ea” in meat, “ai” in rain.
3. R-Controlled Vowels
A vowel followed by “r” that changes the vowel’s sound.
Example: “ar” in car, “or” in fork.
4. Silent Letters
Letters that appear in a word but aren’t pronounced.
Example: “k” in knight, “b” in comb.
Teaching these patterns along with digraphs and diphthongs gives students a fuller grasp of English phonics and boosts their reading confidence.
Teaching Methods for Digraphs
Teaching digraphs effectively requires a combination of clear instruction, fun activities, and consistent practice.
By using these key approaches, teachers can help students master these important letter combinations.
1. Explicit Instruction
Start by introducing one digraph at a time with clear examples.
Show how two letters make one sound.
Use colorful picture cards with words like “ship” for “sh” or “chick” for “ch.”
Model correct pronunciation and have students repeat it.
Connect each sound to familiar words students recognize.
This direct approach builds a strong foundation.
2. Engaging Activities
Make learning digraphs fun through interactive activities.
Try singing songs that highlight specific digraphs.
Use simple chants or short videos to reinforce the sounds.
Play matching games or word hunts where students find digraph words.
Create sorting activities grouping pictures by their digraph sounds.
These enjoyable approaches keep students interested and help sounds stick.
3. Practice and Application
Give students many chances to practice their new skills.
Use simple texts featuring target digraphs. Create worksheets matching digraphs to pictures.
Set up learning centers with activities like digraph bingo.
Small group work allows for targeted support as students apply their knowledge.
Independent practice helps solidify understanding and builds confidence with these important sound patterns.
Teaching Methods for Diphthongs
Teaching diphthongs requires special attention since these blended vowel sounds can be tricky for young readers.
These methods help make diphthong instruction clear and engaging for students at different learning levels.
1. Introducing Diphthongs
Begin with simple explanations of how two vowels blend together to create a new sound.
Show examples like “coin” for “oi” and “house” for “ou” that students recognize.
Display sound wall cards that illustrate mouth positions for each diphthong sound.
Use phonics posters with picture cues to help students connect the sounds to familiar words.
Demonstrate how your mouth moves when pronouncing each diphthong sound.
2. Interactive Activities
Engage students with hands-on activities to practice diphthongs.
Use mirrors so students can watch their mouth movements during pronunciation practice.
Create sorting games with picture cards featuring different diphthong sounds.
Play diphthong bingo with word cards containing target sounds.
Provide both digital games for tech-savvy learners and printable worksheets for those who need paper-based practice.
Let students record themselves reading diphthong words to hear their own pronunciation.
3. Decodable Passages
Offer short reading passages filled with diphthong words for authentic practice.
Choose texts aligned with Science of Reading principles that systematically incorporate target sounds.
Have students highlight diphthongs as they read to increase awareness.
Follow reading with simple comprehension questions to ensure understanding.
Extend learning with writing activities where students create their own sentences using diphthong words.
This connects isolated sound practice to real reading and writing skills.
Weekly Timetable for Teaching Digraphs and Diphthongs
A steady weekly plan helps students build strong phonics skills.
Below is a sample schedule for teaching one digraph and one diphthong during the week.
You can switch out the examples (sh and ou) for others you’re working on.
| DAY | FOCUS | SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Introduce the digraph “sh” | Show sound cards and pictures (e.g., ship, shoe). Say the sound and model how to say it. |
| Tuesday | Practice “sh” with fun games | Try word sorting, bingo, or “I Spy” with “sh” words. |
| Wednesday | Learn the diphthong “ou” | Read picture books or show images with words like cloud, house, and mouse. |
| Thursday | Practice “ou” with reading & writing | Highlight “ou” in simple texts; write short sentences with “ou” words. |
| Friday | Review both “sh” and “ou” | Do a short quiz, play a review game, or have students read aloud to show what they’ve learned. |
Tip: Teach only one or two new letter sounds each week. Keep reviewing past ones to help students remember and feel confident.
Resources for Educators (Books and Websites)
Teaching digraphs and diphthongs becomes much easier when you have the right tools.
Below are some helpful resources that can save you time and make your lessons more engaging.
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Phonics from A to Z by Wiley Blevins – A go-to guide for phonics instruction with lots of tips and practice ideas.
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Words Their Way by Bear, Invernizzi, Templeton, and Johnston – Great for word study and sorting activities, handy for teaching sound patterns like digraphs and diphthongs.
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Starfall – Free and fun for young learners. It has games and activities focused on phonics and early reading.
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ABCya – Offers free phonics games sorted by grade level.
These resources provide ready-to-use materials that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.
Start with one resource that matches your teaching style and build from there.
Tips for Effective Instruction
Effective phonics instruction doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes, the simplest approaches yield the best results.
The following tips can help students master digraphs and diphthongs with greater ease.
- Start Simple: Introduce 2–3 digraphs at a time to avoid overload.
- Repeat Often: Repetition builds automaticity; use spiral review.
- Highlight and Color-Code: Use markers to isolate target sounds.
- Use Student Names: Personalize examples (e.g., “Charlie loves chips!”).
- Read Daily: Choose decodable books emphasizing the target patterns.
Consistency is key when teaching these phonetic elements.
Even just 10-15 minutes of focused practice each day can make a significant difference in student outcomes.
Summing It Up
Digraphs and diphthongs are key parts of learning how to read and spell.
With the right teaching methods, your students can learn to hear, see, and use these sounds with confidence.
Use games, songs, and hands-on tools to make learning fun.
Keep things simple and build on what they know.
Teaching digraphs and diphthongs doesn’t have to be hard; it can be one of the most exciting parts of your phonics lessons.
Try out some of these tips and see your students grow as readers!
Keep the learning going. Browse our Education & Learning category for more helpful blogs.
