Digraphs Exploration

Grade Level

2nd Grade

Duration

30 minutes

Class Size

4 students

Unit Overview

This lesson is the first of three in the unit “Digraphs and Trigraphs Adventure”. It introduces students to digraphs—two letters making one sound—and sets the foundation for recognizing, pronouncing, and using them in reading and writing.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Alignment

Reading: Foundational Skills

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.A: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.B: Decode regularly spelled two-syllable words with long vowels.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.C: Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.D: Identify words with inconsistent but common spelling-sound correspondences.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.2.B: Use an apostrophe to form contractions and frequently occurring possessives. (Supportive connection for handling digraphs in contractions if applicable.)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 30-minute lesson, students will be able to:

Define what a digraph is and explain its role in phonics.
Identify five common digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh, ck) when reading aloud and in words.
Sort words by digraph sounds in a hands-on activity.
Pronounce digraph-containing words correctly during guided practice.

Materials Needed

Chart paper with the definition of "digraph" (displayed visually)
Word cards with pictures (e.g., ship, chin, thumb, whale, duck)
Sorting mats labeled with the five target digraphs
Interactive read-aloud book or passage containing digraph words (grade-level appropriate)
Whiteboard and markers
Small individual whiteboards for students (optional)
Timer or visual countdown

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students, “What do you notice when two letters work together to make one sound?” Show examples like sh in ship or ch in chip.
Define Digraph: Using chart paper, write: A digraph is two letters that come together to make one sound.
Say the sounds: Pronounce each digraph prominently (/sh/, /ch/, /th/, /wh/, /ck/) and have students repeat chorally and individually.

2. Guided Reading & Listening (7 minutes)

Read aloud a short, engaging text or selected sentences containing the target digraphs. For example:
“The ship floats on the white whale's back. Chuck likes to check the thick thumb.”
Ask students to raise their hand or hold up their card when they hear a digraph sound.
Pause to discuss any tricky digraphs, emphasizing pronunciation.

3. Word Sorting Activity (10 minutes)

Give students sets of word cards with corresponding pictures.
Spread out five mats labeled with the digraphs: sh, ch, th, wh, ck.
In a collaborative manner, have students decide where each word card belongs based on the digraph sound.
Encourage students to articulate the digraph sound as they place their word.
Monitor and provide corrective feedback when needed.

4. Application & Practice (5 minutes)

Call out words and ask students to write or say the digraph they hear in the word (e.g., “fish” → sh).
Alternatively, show a picture and have the student identify the digraph sound in the word.

5. Wrap-up & Review (3 minutes)

Recap the definition of digraphs.
Invite students to share their favorite digraph word they learned today.
Use a quick “digraph clap” game where you say a word and students clap only if it contains a digraph.

Assessment

Formative: Observation during word sorting and choral responses in reading and pronunciation activities.
Oral Check: Student responses identifying digraph sounds from words or pictures.
Exit Ticket: Each student recites one digraph and a word containing it before leaving.

Differentiation Strategies

For struggling students: Provide extra repetition with pictures, use tactile letter cards to build words.
For advanced students: Challenge them to think of additional words with digraphs and attempt simple spelling.
Multisensory: Incorporate kinesthetic clap/tap for each digraph heard.

Teacher Notes & Suggestions

Use expressive reading and clear pronunciation to highlight digraphs.
Maintain a supportive environment encouraging risk-taking and peer collaboration.
Visuals and realia are powerful with second graders — involve them constantly.
This lesson sets the tone for more complex digraph and trigraph exploration in lessons 2 and 3.

Reflection Prompts for Teacher Post-Lesson

Which digraphs were easiest or hardest for the students to identify?
How did the sorting activity facilitate understanding?
Did the students engage actively in the read-aloud? How might you increase participation?
Adjust pacing or materials based on observed student needs.

This lesson offers an interactive, scaffolded introduction to digraphs ensuring both conceptual understanding and oral application, adhering strictly to CCSS standards, and creating a lively foundation for phonics skills critical in 2nd grade ELA.

Teaching Instructions