Digraph sounds




6 pages in this set
Free printable digraph sounds (the 'wh' sound) worksheet for 1st grade students. Part of our digraph sounds phonics collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Begin with a shared reading or oral warm-up that highlights digraph sounds so students hear and see the skill in context before practicing it independently. As students work through the worksheet, encourage them to say answers aloud first and then write them, especially for phonics-based tasks. After completing the worksheet, use one or two examples from the page to start a discussion: "Where else have you seen this in your reading?" These digraph sounds worksheets are ideal for use during small group reading time, as independent center work, or as a homework activity.
What students will practice
- Students will identify and apply digraph sounds knowledge to decode and comprehend grade-level text.
- Students will recognize patterns and rules related to digraph sounds in spoken and written language.
- Students will build fluency and confidence with digraph sounds through guided and independent practice.
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Reading: Foundational Skills ยท 1st Grade
Standard: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
View all RF.1.3 worksheets โFind this in the curriculum
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FAQ
How do I use this digraph sounds worksheet?โ
Begin with a shared reading or oral warm-up that highlights digraph sounds so students hear and see the skill in context before practicing it independently. As students work through the worksheet, encourage them to say answers aloud first and then write them, especially for phonics-based tasks. After completing the worksheet, use one or two examples from the page to start a discussion: "Where else have you seen this in your reading?" These digraph sounds worksheets are ideal for use during small group reading time, as independent center work, or as a homework activity.
What does this worksheet teach?โ
These digraph sounds worksheets for 1st grade give students focused practice with one of the key skills in early literacy. Students read, identify, and respond to digraph sounds through a variety of activities designed for their grade level. Our phonics worksheets build both decoding skills and reading comprehension, helping students connect what they practice on paper to the books they read every day. Regular practice with digraph sounds strengthens the reading skills that 1st grade students need to become confident, independent readers.
What grade level is this digraph sounds worksheet for?โ
"Digraph sounds - The 'wh' sound" is written for 1st Grade (Ages 6-7), and it covers Common Core RF.1.3. If your little one is a year younger but already steady on phonics, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and digraph sounds never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.
Can I use this digraph sounds worksheet for homeschool or classroom?โ
Yes, both. We made it for 1st Grade phonics, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with digraph sounds. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
How do digraph sounds worksheets differ from digraph identification worksheets?โ
Identification worksheets focus on spotting digraphs visually, while digraph sounds worksheets require students to produce or match the actual sound - moving from recognition to application.
What activities help 1st graders practice digraph sounds effectively?โ
Productive activities include picture-sort (does it start with sh or ch?), fill-in-the-digraph, writing words from pictures, and reading sentences that contain multiple digraph words.
Are digraph sounds covered in the 1st grade Common Core ELA standards?โ
Yes - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3 requires students to decode regularly spelled one-syllable words, which includes words with common digraphs like sh, ch, th, and wh.
What phonics skills are taught in first grade?โ
First graders learn long vowel patterns (CVCe like 'make'), common vowel teams (ai, ea, oa), consonant digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh), and r-controlled vowels (ar, or, er). Per CCSS RF.1.3, they should decode regularly spelled one-syllable words and read words with inflectional endings.
How many sight words should a first grader know?โ
Most first grade programs expect students to read 100-200 high-frequency sight words by year end. These include common words that do not follow standard phonics rules (the, was, said, could). Daily practice with sight word worksheets and reading builds automatic recognition.
Ratings & Reviews
55 reviews
Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.
Sarah K.
Kindergarten Teacher ยท Verified member
Used these with my class. The clear format worked perfectly for students still building confidence. I print a new set every week.
Emily W.
Homeschool parent ยท Verified member
We've tried a lot of printable worksheets but these are consistently the best quality. My son asks to do them.
Amanda P.
4th Grade Teacher ยท Verified member
Been using ClassWeekly for months now. The worksheets are consistent, well-designed, and my students understand them without extra explanation.
Nicole S.
Homeschool parent ยท Verified member
Three kids at home and these work for all of them. Easy to adapt up or down a grade level depending on the day.
Tom B.
Learning Specialist ยท Verified member
I recommend these to the families I work with. The clear layout is ideal for students who need reduced visual noise.
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