SH or CH? A Quick Read-to-Spell Check for First Grade

A child reads ship correctly, then writes it with just an s. Those two letters were together a moment ago! This is a useful moment to pause and connect the word they can read with the word they are trying to spell.

Try a brief read-to-spell check after a familiar phonics book. You only need two or three words, a pencil or letter cards, and a few minutes with a small group.

Start with a book that fits the group

These 10 SH and CH Mini Books from Use The Village include five books for each digraph. Each folds into four pages, and the set includes folding instructions with no cutting required. That is a welcome bit of preparation to skip.

Preview the text and choose a book that matches the spelling patterns your group has learned. Read it together first, helping with unfamiliar words. For this activity, use a book children have already met so the rereading feels manageable.

Pick one word to examine

Choose an SH or CH word from the book. Say it, find it in print, and point to the two letters representing the sound. In a word such as ship, sh stays together as you work through the sounds.

Ask children to read the word again, then cover it. Say the word aloud and invite them to write it or build it with letter cards. Uncover the printed word and compare. Keep the checking friendly: “Let’s see which parts we remembered.”

Try a new word with familiar spellings

Now dictate one word that uses the same digraph and other patterns children know. For example, after practicing ship, you might try shop. These are teacher-chosen examples; choose words that fit your group and the book you selected.

If children are ready to compare SH and CH, try a familiar pair such as ship and chip. Say each word naturally, discuss its meaning, and draw attention to the first sound. Avoid adding a string of unfamiliar words just to make the check longer.

Notice where help is needed

• They choose the correct digraph but miss the vowel: revisit that vowel rather than reteaching the whole word.
• They write only one letter for SH or CH: return to the printed example and rebuild the digraph together.
• They confuse the two starting sounds: model familiar spoken examples and practice choosing between written sh and ch before asking for a whole word.

Offer letter cards if handwriting is taking all the attention. Let children point to a choice when a spoken answer is difficult. The goal is to see what they know about the spelling.

End back in the book

Reread the sentence containing your focus word. Finish while the group still has energy for one more successful read. Make a quick note of who needs another supported round and who is ready for a new example.

For another day, these SH and CH small-group games offer more ways to revisit the patterns.