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Digraphs made easy: sh, ch, th

Two letters, one sound. Digraphs are the first big plot twist in learning to read - here's how to teach them calmly.

Asha Nair
Reading Specialist
Published14 July 2026Reading time1 minute
cover digraphs made easy png

The plot twist

Just when children believe one letter equals one sound, along come sh, ch, and th. Name the twist openly: “These two letters hold hands and make one sound.” Children enjoy the rule change when it's explicit.

One at a time

Teach sh first (it's the quietest and most fun - the librarian sound). Then ch like a train, then th with the tongue peeking out. Keep them a week apart so they don't blur together.

Watch for the trap

Th has two versions - thin (unvoiced) and this (voiced). Don't teach that distinction early; just enjoy the tongue-peek. The nuance can wait for the Knowledge Base.

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Digraphs made easy: sh, ch, th | PhonicSky