One of my absolute favorite things about teaching is watching the academic growth that happens over the year. Think about it—our learners walk in on day one barely able to spell their names, and by the end of the year, they’re reading full books! That shift from sounding out CVC words to reading words with digraphs and blends is such a big leap—and they’re so proud when they do it.
But just because summer hits doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. That’s where this digraph sorting activity comes in! It’s an easy, engaging way to help students keep practicing those tricky digraphs—without feeling like a worksheet pile.
What is a Digraph?
If you’re new to homeschooling or brushing up on phonics skills for your own kids, no worries—let’s break it down.
A digraph is when two letters work together to make a new sound. Early readers are usually introduced to these three first:
- ch (like in chip)
- sh (like in ship)
- th (like in thumb)
These sounds show up everywhere, so getting solid with digraphs really helps students take off in their reading.
Add Some Fun!
Let’s be real—nothing grabs a kindergartner’s attention quite like a pair of sunglasses! 😎 I love kicking off this activity by passing out some fun SHades (get it?). You can find inexpensive pairs in bulk, and my students love taking them home afterward.
While everyone’s sporting their new look, we dive into a themed read-aloud. One of my favorites? Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses. It’s fun, familiar, and ties right into our summer-vibe lesson.
After our story, it’s time to dig into the digraph sort. I usually start this in small groups so I can really listen in on how students are pronouncing and sorting the sounds.
You can also move it to a literacy center once students get the hang of it—it’s great for independent or partner practice. And if you need a quick way to check understanding, I’ve included a printable page you can use as an informal assessment.
Looking to mix it up? Let your learners grab a favorite picture book and go on a digraph word hunt. They can sort words under the correct digraph as they read or flip through the pictures.
You can grab this free resource by clicking the download button below!
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