Consonant Blends and Digraphs Study Guide

Introduction

Consonant blends and digraphs are important phonics concepts that help young readers and writers understand the sounds of the English language. Understanding these concepts can improve a child's ability to decode and spell words.

Consonant Blends

A consonant blend is a combination of two or more consonants in which each consonant is pronounced, but the sounds blend together. Examples of consonant blends include "bl," "cr," "dr," "fl," "gr," "pl," "sc," "sk," "sp," "st," and "tr."

Examples of Consonant Blends

bl - as in "black," "blue"
cl - as in "clap," "cliff"
dr - as in "drop," "drink"
fl - as in "flag," "flock"
gr - as in "green," "grape"

Digraphs

A digraph is a combination of two letters that make a single sound. Common digraphs include "ch," "sh," "th," "wh," and "ph."

Examples of Digraphs

ch - as in "chip," "chat"
sh - as in "ship," "shop"
th - as in "this," "that"
wh - as in "whale," "wheel"
ph - as in "phone," "photo"

Study Tips

Here are some tips to help students learn and practice consonant blends and digraphs:

Use flashcards to practice identifying and pronouncing consonant blends and digraphs.
Read books and passages that contain words with consonant blends and digraphs to reinforce recognition of these patterns.
Play word games or use online resources that focus on consonant blends and digraphs to make learning fun and engaging.
Practice writing words with consonant blends and digraphs to improve spelling and word recognition skills.

Conclusion

Understanding consonant blends and digraphs is an important step in developing strong phonics and reading skills. With practice and exposure to words containing these patterns, students can become confident and proficient in recognizing and using consonant blends and digraphs in their reading and writing.