The Digraph “wh”

A digraph is a combination of two letters that work together to produce one sound. In phonics, the letters w and h form the digraph wh.

The digraph wh commonly makes the sound:

• /w/

This sound is heard in words such as:

• whale

• wheel

• whip

• whisk

In some words, especially in older or more formal pronunciation, wh may sound like a soft breathy /hw/ sound.

Characteristics of the “wh” Digraph

• It is made of two consonants.

• The two letters work together to produce one sound.

• It usually appears at the beginning of words.

Examples of “wh” Words

Beginning Sound

• what

• when

• whip

• wheel

• white

• whisk

Question Words with “wh”

Many English question words begin with wh:

• what

• when

• where

• why

These are often called WH-question words.

Importance of Learning “wh”

Learning the digraph wh helps learners:

• Recognize common letter patterns

• Improve decoding skills

• Read words more fluently

• Develop pronunciation accuracy

• Expand vocabulary

Pronunciation of “wh”

To pronounce the /w/ sound:

• Lips are rounded.

• Air flows smoothly.

• The sound is voiced.

Students often practice by repeating:

• wh, wh, wh

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Blending

Blending is the process of combining individual sounds together to read a word.

Learners first identify each sound, then smoothly join them to form a complete word.

Examples of Blending with “wh”

Word: whip

Sounds:

• /wh/

• /i/

• /p/

Blended:

• whip

Word: when

Sounds:

• /wh/

• /e/

• /n/

Blended:

• when

Word: what

Sounds:

• /wh/

• /o/

• /t/

Blended:

• what

Steps in Blending

1. Identify the sounds.

2. Say each sound clearly.

3. Blend the sounds smoothly.

4. Read the whole word.

Example:

• /wh/ /i/ /p/ → whip

Importance of Blending

Blending helps learners:

• Decode unfamiliar words

• Read independently

• Build reading fluency

• Improve confidence in reading

Oral Blending

Teacher says:

• /wh/ /e/ /n/

Student says:

• when

Printed Blending

Students read:

• wh-e-n → when

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CVC Words

CVC stands for:

• C = Consonant

• V = Vowel

• C = Consonant

Traditional CVC words follow a simple consonant-vowel-consonant pattern.

Examples:

• cat

• dog

• pen

When learners study digraphs like wh, they also practice simple phonics words that behave similarly to CVC words.

Although words such as whip and when contain four letters, the digraph wh acts as one sound unit.

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“wh” Words Similar to CVC Patterns

Short I Sound

• whip

Short E Sound

• when

Short O Sound

• what

These words are useful for practicing:

• Digraph recognition

• Blending

• Decoding

• Pronunciation

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Importance of “wh” Word Practice

Practicing simple wh words helps learners:

• Understand digraphs

• Improve phonics skills

• Strengthen sound-symbol relationships

• Read with greater fluency

• Build confidence in early reading

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Relationship Between the Topics

These concepts are connected in phonics instruction.

Step 1: Learn the Digraph

Learners recognize:

• wh = /w/

Step 2: Blend Sounds

Example:

• /wh/ /i/ /p/

Step 3: Read the Word

• whip

This process develops decoding and early literacy skills.

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Learning Outcomes

By studying the digraph wh, blending, and simple phonics words, learners should be able to:

• Identify the digraph wh

• Pronounce the /w/ sound correctly

• Blend sounds into words

• Read simple words containing wh

• Improve decoding and fluency

• Recognize common word patterns

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Sample Classroom Activities

Sound Practice

Students repeat:

• wh, wh, wh

Picture Matching

Match words to pictures:

• whale

• wheel

• whip

Blending Drills

Teacher says:

• /wh/ /a/ /t/

Students say:

• what

Word Reading

Students read:

• whip

• when

• what

Sentence Practice

• What is this?

• The whip is long.

• When will we go?

Word Sorting

Sort words beginning with:

• wh

• sh

• ch

These activities strengthen phonics knowledge, blending ability, and reading fluency.