Digraphs Phonics Worksheet: Match the Digraph to the Word

Helping your child get to grips with reading can be such an exciting time. As they move beyond simple letter sounds, they start to discover "special sounds" where two letters join together to make one new sound. These are known as digraphs. Our "Match the Digraph to the Word" activity is designed to help children practise these sounds in a simple, stress-free way.

This resource is perfect for children in the early stages of their reading journey, typically those in Reception or Year 1. It is a great tool for parents looking for extra practice at home or teachers needing a quick, effective classroom activity. By using these digraphs phonics worksheets, children can build their confidence as they learn to recognise and use common letter combinations.

What will children learn?

This worksheet focuses on six common digraphs: ch, sh, th, wh, ph, and ng. These are essential building blocks for early literacy. When children see these pairs of letters, they learn that they shouldn't sound them out individually. Instead, they learn to blend them into a single, distinct sound.

The activity is very straightforward. Children are asked to draw a line to connect each digraph to the word that contains that sound. For example, they will match ch to chair, sh to shell, and th to thumb. This visual matching helps reinforce the link between the written letters and the sound they make in a word. It is a fantastic way to improve both reading and spelling skills.

If you are looking for more support, you can explore our KS1 Literacy Resources for a wider range of activities.

Practical tips for using this resource

You don't need to make phonics practice feel like a chore. Here are a couple of ways to make the most of these digraphs phonics worksheets:

• Say it out loud: Encourage your child to say the sound of the digraph clearly before they look for the matching word. For example, ask them to make the "shhh" sound like a quiet librarian before finding the word shell.
• Go on a sound hunt: Once they have finished the worksheet, see if they can spot these digraphs in their favourite storybooks. It turns a simple paper activity into a fun game of "detective" around the house or classroom.

For more structured support, you might find our Year 1 English Activities helpful for keeping their skills sharp. If you are just starting out, our EYFS Activities section also offers plenty of gentle ways to introduce new sounds.

We hope this resource makes your phonics practice a little bit easier and a lot more fun!