Digraph/ph/Worksheets

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Digraph /ph/ Worksheets: Fun and Effective Learning Resource

Consonant digraph worksheets help young learners grasp and practice the concept of digraphs, which are pairs of letters that work together to produce a single sound. One of the most common and useful digraphs in English is "ph", which sounds like the letter /f/.

To support students in understanding this sound-spelling pattern, I’ve created a special set of interactive and engaging worksheets focused on the "ph" digraph.


What Is the /ph/ Digraph?

The "ph" digraph is unique—it consists of the letters "p" and "h" but is pronounced as the /f/ sound. Recognizing this pattern helps students with:

  • Accurate pronunciation
  • Spelling
  • Reading fluency
These worksheets introduce the "ph" digraph through fun and visual activities designed for young learners and ESL students.

What's Included in the Worksheets?

Worksheet 1: Vocabulary with Pictures

Students are introduced to high-frequency "ph" words such as:

  • elephant
  • xylophone
  • photo
  • dolphin
  • trophy
  • phone
Each word is paired with a picture to reinforce visual learning and build strong word-sound associations

Worksheet 2: Spelling Practice

This worksheet encourages students to write each word, helping to:

  • Improve spelling accuracy
  • Reinforce memory through handwriting
  • Build confidence in using "ph" words

Worksheet 3: Fill-in-the-Blank Challenge

Students complete partially written words by filling in the missing "ph" letters. For example:

Ele__ant → Elephant
__oto → Photo
Tro__y → Trophy
__one → Phone
Xylo__one → Xylophone
Dol__in → Dolphin

These activities strengthen the learner’s ability to identify the "ph" digraph in various context

Tips for Teachers: How to Use the /ph/ Digraph Worksheets in First Grade

Teaching digraphs like /ph/ in first grade can be both fun and rewarding when using the right tools and strategies. 

Here are some practical tips based on my own experience in the classroom:

1. Introduce the Sound with Movement
Start by clearly pronouncing the /f/ sound and showing students how "ph" makes the same sound. I like to use a fun gesture—like gently blowing out air—to mimic the sound, which helps students remember it better.

2. Use the Picture Vocabulary Sheet First
Show the vocabulary worksheet with images and words. I say each word out loud, and the students repeat after me. We often do this in a chant or rhythmic pattern to keep it engaging. For example:
Teacher: "Elephant!"
Class: "Elephant!" (with an elephant trunk motion)

3. Turn Writing Practice into a Mini Challenge
For the writing sheet, I encourage neat handwriting and ask students to say the word out loud as they write it. This reinforces the sound-spelling connection. I walk around and praise students who use finger spacing and focus on neat letters.

4. Use the Fill-in-the-Blank Sheet as a Group Game
I read each incomplete word aloud and have students guess and write the correct "ph" word on mini whiteboards or in their notebooks. We check answers together and celebrate correct guesses!

This was one of my first graders' favorite parts—they loved trying to guess the word just from hearing part of it. It made them feel like little detectives!

5. Add a Creative Touch
After completing all worksheets, I sometimes let students draw one of the “ph” words and write a sentence about it. For example:
“The dolphin is jumping in the sea.”
This helps them use the word in context and express their creativity.

These worksheets worked beautifully with my first graders. They stayed engaged, had fun, and learned to recognize and spell "ph" words with confidence. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or supporting learners at home, this resource is a simple yet powerful tool for teaching digraphs effectively.

Why Learning the "Ph" Digraph Matters

Mastering the "ph" digraph is an essential skill for English learners. It appears in many everyday words, and recognizing it boosts reading confidence and decoding ability.

Benefits of This Learning Resource

  • Improves pronunciation of "ph" words with the correct /f/ sound
  • Enhances spelling through visual and written practice
  • Supports ESL learners, early readers, and primary students
  • Perfect for classroom lessons, homework, or extra practice at home

From My Classroom to Yours

Helping young learners master digraphs like /ph/ can be both effective and enjoyable when the activities are thoughtfully designed. Through hands-on tasks, repetition, and a bit of creativity, students begin to connect sounds with spelling in meaningful ways.
This simple classroom routine brought both fun and progress to my first graders, and I hope it brings the same success to your learners as well.


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