This is the hard-th sound. It usually leads a word rather than ends it. If you aren’t quite sure, say: the, these, this, then. See how it is harder and has more sound to it than the soft-th ending words like with or in the middle of words like pithy? Notice that with the soft-th, your tongue tends to be out and in between your top and bottom front teeth. With the hard-th sound, it tends to be just behind your top front teeth.
It’s a subtle difference, but it is there.
At least, I think it is.
Ha.
Digraphs, if you recall, are when two or more consonants together have their own special sound. If you tell the children this, they will more readily accept this lesson.
Let’s make another little chart:
th———-thethenthis
The children won’t need to know the word this just yet, but I like to give at least three examples when I’m starting these charts, and the word is simple for them to read using what they already know. Remember that as we add more digraphs to our repertoire, we might want to leave enough room to add more words that fit the rule as we go on, so keep that in mind when you’re making it.
Since your child already knows the word the, he is only a step away from sounding these words out on his own. Tell him the special sound, and then encourage him to do the reading. Once he’s practiced a couple times, move on with the regular lesson. The introduction of digraphs, diphthongs, and the rest, ought to be brief. If you find your child has trouble understanding, cut down on the number of pages of reading for the day. Do not go over the 15 minute maximum for the lesson length.
An exception might be for a child who is older, but I still encourage the time limit if the child is having trouble grasping the new idea.
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I noticed that you mention flipping to the digraph tab? Are we supposed to have tabs for digraphs, blends, and diphthongs as well? And how does this rotate with the other tabs? Thanks so much for the help.
Cathy
Good catch! I'll have to change this! A few years ago, I changed my system, and I thought I caught everything, but these little details embedded in posts pop up every once in awhile. Thank you. š
So: don't worry about a digraph tab. All the tabs go into whatever section is appropriate for your review frequency. š
I am planning on using your lesson plans on an 8 year old that is struggling. She has read through SET 1, but no farther. I cannot seem to pick between Daughter Q and Daughter A so I plan on just setting the timer for 15-20 minutes and see how far we get each day. Thanks for the help – it's either this or a tutor and with dh out of work, I'd rather see if we can make progress this way first. I am excited to begin. Thanks for all your work.