Mastering the Digraph "Sh" Sound: Comprehensive Worksheets for Young Learners

Welcome to the /sh/ Sound Learning Pack

Hello, teachers, parents, and young learners!
This phonics resource is specially made to help children learn the /sh/ digraph — a common sound in English found in words like shoe, fish, and shark. This resource is perfect for educators and parents looking to help children develop strong phonics skills in a fun and interactive way. It's a complete learning activity that includes reading, writing, sound recognition, and vocabulary development.

What’s Inside This Learning Pack?

Word List with Pictures – Fun and familiar /sh/ words such as:

• shark
• fish
• dish
• brush
• sheep
• shoe

Each word is paired with a picture to support understanding and memory.

Read and Trace Activity:

Students read each word and then trace it to practice spelling and handwriting.

Word Completion Task:

Students fill in the missing “sh” to complete each word (e.g., __ark → shark).
This strengthens their ability to hear and recognize the digraph in different positions.

Why Is It Useful?

Building Phonics Skills:

This pack helps children hear, read, and write the /sh/ sound.It builds phonics skills; the focus on the "sh" sound helps children identify and produce this digraph in words, a critical skill for reading fluency.
It supports spelling and vocabulary  and reinforces word structure and letter patterns.
This pack is great for different learning styles.

Easy to use for ESL and early readers :

Clear images and repetition help with understanding.
How I Use It in the Classroom

This pack fits perfectly into my phonics lesson for beginner readers. Here's how I usually use it in class

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

I start by introducing the sound /sh/ using examples and gestures — putting a finger to the lips for “shhh.” We say the sound together and find examples around the room.

2. Sound and Picture Match (10 minutes)

I show the pictures from the sheet and ask students to say the word out loud. We listen carefully to hear the /sh/ sound — is it at the beginning or at the end.

3. Guided Tracing (10–15 minutes)

We move to the “Read and Trace” page. I read the word out loud, and the students repeat after me. Then they trace the word on the lines.

4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)

Students work on the “Complete the Word” section. I guide them to think about where the /sh/ goes and support them if needed.

5. Review and Share (5 minutes)

At the end of the lesson, we review the words together. Some students like to draw extra things that begin with the /sh/ sound or use the words in simple sentences.

I sometimes cut the first sheet into small flashcards for games.

I add a listening activity by playing a short audio and asking students to hold up the right picture.
This resource turns phonics practice into an enjoyable and interactive lesson. It’s perfect for use in class, at home, or as part of a literacy center.

Small Steps, Big Sounds

Teaching the /sh/ digraph doesn’t require fancy tools — just thoughtful practice and a bit of creativity. Whether through tracing, matching, or playful listening games, young learners can develop a solid grasp of this sound in a way that feels natural and fun.
This simple approach has made a big impact in my classroom, and I hope it inspires joyful learning for your students, too.