Step-by-step English Level 2 · Consonant digraphs: sh and ch · Lesson 2.1

Step-by-step English Level 2: The sound sh

Part of the Step-by-step English Level 2 consonant digraphs: sh and ch chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page

2.1

The sound sh

Level 2
Say that sh makes one sound, Find the picture whose name starts with sh

The letters s and h together make one sound: /sh/. Say it as one sound, like a quiet hush.

Look at ship. It has three sounds: sh, i and p. It does not have four sounds.

Words such as shop and shell also start with the sound /sh/.

Worked example 2.1.1

Which picture name starts with the letters sh? Look at the letters, not the picture.

Method. Find the name with the letters in the right place.

Read the name under each picture. Look for the letters at the start.
A: ship B: sock C: fox
Find the name that starts with sh. Only one name has these letters in that place.
ship = picture A
Write the answer.
A

Check. ship has sh at the start. ✓

Watch out. Read the whole name, then check where the letters are.

Worked example 2.1.2

How many sounds are in ship? A pair like sh or ch counts as one sound. A 3 B 4 C 2 Choose A, B or C.

Method. Read every choice, then pick the one that fits.

Read each choice. Check which one fits.
3 / 4 / 2
Find the one that fits. ship is sh - i - p: 3 sounds. Count the pair as one.
3 is choice A
Write the answer.
A

Check. Read 3 in the sentence or list again. ✓

Watch out. Read every choice before you decide.

Worked example 2.1.3

Which picture name starts with the letters sh? Look at the letters, not the picture.

Method. Find the name with the letters in the right place.

Read the name under each picture. Look for the letters at the start.
A: bed B: shell C: fox
Find the name that starts with sh. Only one name has these letters in that place.
shell = picture B
Write the answer.
B

Check. shell has sh at the start. ✓

Watch out. Read the whole name, then check where the letters are.

Watch out: s and h are two letters, but they make one sound. Do not say /s/ and /h/ separately.

Grown-up tip. Say "shhh" for sh, one sound, with the lips open. Ask the child to point to sh in each word.

FHow many sounds are in shop? A pair like sh or ch counts as one sound. A 3 B 4 C 2 Choose A, B or C.

Done

FWhich picture name starts with the letters sh? Look at the letters, not the picture.

Done

FWhich two letters begin the word shed? Choose from the list. A ch B th C sh Choose A, B or C.

Done

FWhich two letters begin the word shell? Choose from the list. A sh B th C ch Choose A, B or C.

Done

FHow many sounds are in shed? A pair like sh or ch counts as one sound. A 2 B 3 C 4 Choose A, B or C.

Done

FRead the word: shop. Which picture matches? Choose A, B or C.

Done