What Is a Digraph? A Simple Phonics Guide for Parents

Confused by phonics? Learn what a digraph is, how it's taught in Reception and Year 1, and get practical tips for helping your child learn digraphs at home. Ideal for parents of children aged 4–8.

If you're a parent of a Reception or Year 1 child and feeling confused by phonics terms like digraphs, you’re not alone. Many of us didn’t learn to read this way at school - so it can feel like trying to help your child with reading in a completely new language!

As a phonics specialist supporting children aged 4-8, I know that understanding the basics can make a world of difference. In this guide, I’ll explain what a digraph is, give you examples, link to helpful pronunciation videos, and share easy, practical activities you can do at home to support your child’s reading.

What Is a Digraph?

A digraph is a phonics term that means two letters that work together to make one sound.

Unlike simple letter sounds (like s or t), a digraph blends two letters into a single, new sound. That’s why it's such a key skill in early reading.

✅ Common Digraph Examples

• sh - as in shop

• ch - as in chip

• th - as in thin or that

• ng - as in ring

• ai - as in rain

• ee - as in feet

• oa - as in boat

  
  

There are consonant digraphs (like sh and ch) and vowel digraphs (like ai and ee), but the key idea is the same: two letters = one sound.

Why Digraphs Matter in Early Reading

Learning digraphs helps your child decode more complex words with confidence. If they don’t recognise digraphs, they may try to sound out each letter individually, which can lead to frustration and confusion (e.g. s-h-i-p turning into suh-huh-i-puh).

That’s why schools focus heavily on digraphs in Reception and Year 1 phonics lessons.

How Are Digraphs Taught in UK Schools?

Most UK schools follow a structured phonics scheme like Little Wandle or Read Write Inc., introducing digraphs gradually across Reception and Year 1. Your child may come home talking about Phase 3 sounds, sound buttons, or phoneme frames—all part of the phonics journey!

To hear how each digraph should sound, you can watch these short, clear pronunciation clips:

• Reception beginning digraphs: https://youtube.com/shorts/yK_tRNVASyQ?feature=share

• Digraphs: https://youtube.com/shorts/3MMODLNi1hk?feature=share

Easy Ways to Help Your Child Learn Digraphs at Home

If you're looking for ways to support your child's phonics learning at home, here are some fun, low-pressure activities that work well for 4–8 year olds:

1. Digraph Treasure Hunt

Choose a digraph (like sh) and go hunting around your home or in books to find objects or words with that sound.

2. Sound Sorting Game

Write some digraphs and single sounds on flashcards. Ask your child to sort them into two piles: “digraphs” and “not digraphs”. A great way to reinforce the concept!

3. DIY Digraph Book

Make a small scrapbook with a page for each digraph. Draw or cut out pictures that include that sound. Over time, this becomes your child’s own “phonics dictionary”.

4. Roll and Read

Create a dice game where each number corresponds to a digraph. Roll the dice, then come up with a word using that sound—or find one in a storybook together.

5. Splat the sound

Use a set of flashcards or write the digraphs onto squares of paper. Spread them out and then give you child a fly swatter/or spatula. Call out a sound and they have to splat it! The key here is to get speedy recognition of the sounds.

If you want to know what digraphs to focus on and lots more activities ideas then check out my complete toolkit for home! https://stan.store/Littlelearnersuk/p/ultimate-phonics-through-playbook--reception-

When to Get Extra Help with Reading?

Sometimes, even with consistent practice at home, your child might find reading tough. They might mix up sounds, avoid reading altogether, or feel like they’re falling behind. If this sounds familiar, it’s a sign they may benefit from targeted reading support.

Whether they need help catching up or simply more confidence, a phonics tutor can give your child the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

Let’s Chat - Personalised Phonics Support for Your Child

I help children aged 4–8 build strong foundations in phonics, reading, and spelling. If your child is struggling to learn digraphs or reading is becoming a battle at home, I’d love to support you both.

👉 Click here to get in touch for a free, no-pressure chat about how I can help. Let’s make reading feel easier—and even fun—for your child.