Free Grade 1 phonics printable
Digraphs SH, CH, TH Worksheets for Grade 1
Digraphs sh, ch, th worksheets for Grade 1 help children practise three common consonant digraphs through picture-word matching, word sorting, and missing-letter activities. This printable phonics resource is designed for early readers who are learning that two letters can work together to represent one sound.
- Picture clues and multiple-choice word matching
- A cut-and-sort activity for sh, ch, and th
- Missing-letter practice with familiar words
- A separate answer-key page for quick checking
Printing tip: use US Letter paper and print at “Fit” or “Shrink to printable area” if your printer clips the page edges.
What Are Digraphs?
A consonant digraph is a pair of letters that represents one speech sound. In this worksheet, children focus on three high-frequency digraphs: sh, ch, and th. Learning to notice these letter teams helps children decode unfamiliar words, read more smoothly, and connect the sounds they hear with the spellings they see.
SH — as in “ship”
The letters s and h work together to make the sound heard at the beginning of ship and at the end of fish.
CH — as in “chair”
The letters c and h make the sound heard at the beginning of chair and chick.
TH — as in “thumb”
The letters t and h work together in words such as thumb, thin, and bath. The sound may feel different from sh and ch, so model it slowly.
What’s Included in These Digraphs Worksheets?
1. Picture-word matching
Children look at each illustration, say the pictured word aloud, and choose the matching word from three options. Picture clues help learners focus on the word’s sounds and spelling rather than trying to decode every option without support. Encourage children to say the whole word, then identify whether they hear sh, ch, or th.
2. Sort the words by digraph
The second activity asks learners to sort word cards into the correct sh, ch, or th column. Cutting out the cards adds a hands-on element for students who benefit from moving and grouping words. Before gluing, ask your child to read each card and explain which letter team they noticed.
3. Complete the missing letters
In the final activity, students use a picture and an incomplete word to supply the missing digraph. This supports spelling as well as reading: children must connect the picture’s name to the correct letter pattern. If a learner is unsure, say the word together, stretch it gently, and ask which sound is missing.
Answer key included
The PDF includes an answer key on its own page. Use it for quick checking after children have attempted each task independently. For extra learning, ask them to explain how they knew the answer instead of only marking a response right or wrong.
Interactive Digraph Practice
Try this short check before or after printing the worksheet. Choose the digraph that completes each word. Select Check answers to see feedback, then try again if needed.
Teaching Tips for Home and Classroom
Say it, spot it, write it
Say the word naturally, repeat it slowly, point to the digraph, and have the child write the two letters together. Keep the focus on the sound team rather than naming each letter separately.
Use a small word bank
Start with a few familiar examples such as ship, chair, and thumb. Add words only when the child can confidently hear and identify the target sound.
Practise in short bursts
Five to ten focused minutes can be more useful than a long session. Revisit the same words later in a sentence or during shared reading to help the skill transfer.
For additional support, have learners compare words that begin with different digraphs, such as ship and chip. Ask what changes in the first sound and which letters represent it. Avoid rushing; children may need repeated listening and speaking practice before the spelling pattern becomes automatic.
More Grade 1 Phonics Practice
Build a consistent phonics routine by pairing this resource with other early-reading activities. Link this page to your own related WorksheetGalaxy resources when those pages are published:
- Short vowel sounds worksheets for Grade 1
- Word families worksheets for Grade 1
- Browse Grade 1 language worksheets
For a research-informed overview of early reading instruction, families and educators can also explore Reading Rockets. Use outside resources as a supplement to direct practice and the reading instruction already provided in your classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digraph in phonics?
A digraph is two letters that work together to represent one sound. This worksheet focuses on the consonant digraphs sh, ch, and th.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
It is designed primarily for Grade 1 students who are learning common consonant digraphs. It can also support kindergarten learners who are ready for this pattern or older students who need review.
Can I use the worksheet at home?
Yes. An adult can read the directions, listen as the child says each word, and offer a prompt when needed. The answer key makes it easier to check work together.
What is included in the PDF?
The printable has two activity pages and a separate answer-key page. Activities include picture-word matching, sorting word cards, and completing words with sh, ch, or th.
How should I help if my child mixes up sh, ch, and th?
Practise one contrast at a time. Model each word clearly, have your child repeat it, and point to the letters that represent the target sound. Return to the picture clues and revisit the words in short sessions.
Download the free Digraphs SH, CH, TH worksheet, work through the picture and sorting activities, and finish with the answer key. Revisit the interactive quiz whenever your learner wants another quick round.