Phonics Phase 3: Digraphs and Trigraphs

Phase 3 introduces the remaining sounds in English, including digraphs (two letters making one sound, like "sh", "ch", "th", "ng") and trigraphs (three letters making one sound, like "igh", "ear", "air"). Children also learn the vowel digraphs: "ai", "ee", "oa", "oo".

By the end of Phase 3, children know one way to represent each of the 44 sounds (phonemes) in English. They can read and spell words with adjacent consonants (CCVC words like "trap" and CVCC words like "tent") and longer words.

Children learn more tricky words in Phase 3, including "he", "she", "we", "me", "be", "was", "my", "you", "they", "her" and "all". These appear frequently in books and need to be recognised on sight.

Phase 3 dramatically expands the range of words a child can read. Once they know digraphs like "sh", "ch" and "th", they can tackle words like "shop", "chin" and "this" that were previously impossible to decode.

Phase 3 knowledge is directly assessed in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. Children who are secure in Phase 3 by the end of Reception are well placed to pass the check and, more importantly, to read with increasing fluency and enjoyment.

1. 1

   Introduce one new digraph at a time -- don't overwhelm with too many at once.

2. 2

   Make digraph cards: write 'sh', 'ch', 'th' etc. on cards and practise the sounds daily.

3. 3

   Go on a digraph hunt in books: find words with 'sh', 'ch', 'th' and highlight them.

4. 4

   Use actions for each sound (e.g. finger on lips for 'sh') to make them memorable.

5. 5

   Practise reading and writing words with the new sounds: 'ship', 'chip', 'thin', 'ring'.

6. 6

   Read to your child every day -- exposure to these sounds in real books makes practice meaningful.