The WH Sound

WH Words

1. Introduce the “wh” Sound
   In most modern English accents, the letters “w” and “h” combine to make the /w/ sound, as in “what” or “where.” Since “wh” does not create a distinct sound, some literature may not considered it a digraph but rather just a spelling convention.

2. Practice with some wh words.
   The following diagram shows some examples of words with wh. Scroll down the page for more examples and songs.

3. Writing Practice
   Sentence Writing: Have students write their own sentences or short stories using wh words.
   Word Tracing: For younger students, give them worksheets where they trace wh words to practice writing.

Practice writing wh words using this worksheet.
Write Wh words Worksheet

4. Teach the Meaning Many “wh” words are question words (who, what, when, where, why), so they are highly functional. Help children connect these words to their meanings:
   Who: “Who is this?” (Point to a person)
   What: “What is this?” (Point to an object)
   Where: “Where is the cat?” (Look around)
   When: “When do we eat?” (Time-related)
   Why: “Why is it hot?” (Reason or cause)
   

Practice using the wh question words in sentences using these worksheets.
Match Wh words Worksheet

5. Songs and Rhymes
   Wh Songs: Use songs or create simple rhymes that uses wh words.

Learn about “wh” words
A digraph is when two letter sounds or phonemes combine to make one sound or phoneme.
When the w sound combines with the h sound they create the unique sound of wh. Learn about the digraph wh as you listen to the wh sound in words that begin with the wh digraph.

• Show Video

wh - How to Read?
Learn the pronunciation and sound of consonant digraph - wh. Learn words that contain the digraph.

• Show Video

Phonics Video: The WH Sound
Consonant digraphs (also called letter digraphs) are 2 letters that make a new sound when they are put together.

• Show Video

Meet the Phonics Digraphs - wh
Two letters that come together to form a single sound are taught in school as “letter digraphs”

• Show Video

Phonics wh
Phonics reading book for children learning the ‘wh’ sound. What? When? Where?

• Show Video

6. Learn other Consonant Digraphs.

Consonant Digraphs
CH Sound	SH Sound	Soft TH
WH	WH Sound	PH Sound
GH Sound	NG Sound	Consonant Digraphs

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.