Fun with 'sh' and 'ch'

Curriculum Area

Subject: English
Level: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Curriculum Focus: Phase 3 Phonics (Letters and Sounds)

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Learning Objectives

🔹 Recap the digraphs 'sh' and 'ch'
🔹 Identify these sounds in spoken and written words
🔹 Practise blending and segmenting skills

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Resources Needed

✅ Flashcards with ‘sh’ and ‘ch’ words (e.g. ship, shop, shell, fish, chill, chop, chin, bench)
✅ Whiteboard and marker
✅ Small objects or pictures representing ‘sh’ and ‘ch’ words (e.g. toy ship, shell, toy train for "choo choo" sound)
✅ Mini whiteboards and pens for students

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Lesson Structure (10 minutes)

1. Sound Warm-Up (2 minutes) 🗣️

🔸 Teacher says "shhhh" while holding a finger to lips – students copy the sound.
🔸 Teacher mimics a steam train "ch-ch-ch" – students repeat.
🔸 Ask: “Can you think of any words with ‘sh’ or ‘ch’?” (Encourage students to share).

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2. Flashcard Challenge (3 minutes) 🎴

🔹 Hold up a flashcard with a word (e.g. ship, chop) – students say the word aloud.
🔹 Ask them: “Which part of the word makes the ‘sh’ or ‘ch’ sound?”
🔹 Clap out the word while segmenting (e.g. sh-i-p, ch-o-p).

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3. Sorting Game (3 minutes) 🏗️

🔹 Place a toy ship and a toy train at different sides of the carpet.
🔹 Show an object/picture and ask: "Does this belong in the 'sh' group or the 'ch' group?"
🔹 A student places it correctly – class repeats the word together.

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4. Quickfire Writing (2 minutes) ✍️

✅ Teacher says a simple word (e.g. chin, shop).
✅ Students write it on individual whiteboards.
✅ Hold up boards – peer check together!

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Assessment & Differentiation

✔ Formative Assessment: Observe students’ participation in oral activities and check their written words.
✔ Support: Model segmentation for hesitant learners (e.g. "Let's say it slowly: ch-i-n").
✔ Challenge: Ask confident learners to think of a sentence using a ‘sh’ or ‘ch’ word.

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Plenary & Reflection 🏆

👏 End with a fun chant:
"Shhh, shhh, I see a shell! Ch-ch-ch, I hear a train bell!" 🎶
Ask: “Where might we hear these sounds outside the classroom?”

🤩 WOW Factor: Using objects and movement makes phonics exciting and memorable for young learners!