Teaching the "Wh" Sound Made Easy
Teaching the "wh" digraph to kids is an important step in phonics, as it helps them recognize and pronounce common words that start with "wh" (e.g., whale, wheat, wheel, and whistle ).
Understanding the 'WH' Digraph
The"wh"digraph combines two letters to create a single sound, typically pronounced as a voiceless "w" sound.
Simple and Effective Strategies to Help Kids Learn the "wh" Sound
1. Say It & Hear It:
- Start by saying "wh" words out loud (whale, wheel, whisk).
- Ask kids to repeat after you.
- Make it fun by whispering, singing, or using silly voices!
- Show pictures of wh words and say them together.
- Play a game: “Can you find something that starts with ‘wh’ in this room?”
- Use tracing worksheets (like the ones I made) to help with spelling and handwriting.
- Let kids write wh words with crayons, markers, or even in sand or flour for a sensory activity!
- Read books or simple sentences with wh words.
- Let kids point out or circle the "wh" words they find.
- Word Matching: Match words to pictures.
- Missing Letters: Say "_eel," and let kids guess and add wh.
- Action Game: When you say "whistle," kids pretend to whistle, etc.
- Use "wh" words in daily talk: “Where is your toy?” or “What do you want to eat?"
- Make learning part of playtime and conversations!
Learning the "wh" sound can be fun and easy with the right practice. The key is to keep things playful and encourage kids every step of the way.
Before You Go
Teaching the "wh" sound doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. With a mix of speaking, tracing, games, and daily practice, young learners can quickly pick up this digraph and use it with confidence.
Whether in the classroom or at home, creating small moments of fun and repetition can turn this tricky sound into an easy win for kids.
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