Initial blends and digraphs can be very tricky for some kids. Typically, kids are ready for blends and digraphs after they have a solid grasp on single beginning sounds, ending sounds, and short vowel {CVC} words.
Just like our short vowel Christmas trees, I created some puzzles or sorts with all the initial blends and digraphs. Each tree features three images for all initial blends and digraphs. If you’d like even more work on blends and digraphs, we have over 50 low prep games kids can play. We also have some free r-blends Christmas tree sort, specifically for r-blends.
Not sure what a blend or digraph is? Be sure to check out my post with hands-on definitions and a free blends/digraphs spelling chart!
{Note: This free download can be found at the END of this post. Just click on the oval button!}
*This post contains affiliate links.
Christmas Tree Initial Blends and Digraphs
The idea is very simple with these puzzles or sorts. Simply print off the ones you’d like to use with your child. {I recommend printing onto cardstock paper and even laminating for durability.}
Before giving it to the child, I also like to write the answers on the back to make the activity self-checking. {A picture key is included in the download.} Once the child has matched up the Christmas tree pieces, he/she can flip the pieces over to check answers. I like to use two different colored Sharpies so that the initial blend or digraph is a different color than the rest of the word.
If your child is new to blends and digraphs, just work on one tree at first.
Once your child can hear the initial sound{s}, add another tree to the mix. You might add another tree that has a very different initial sound. For example, fl and cr together.
Once kids can hear those initial blends and digraphs, start asking them to sort two or three trees that share some common beginning sounds. For example, bl and cl, gr and fr, or bl and br.
When sorting between two different trees, I like to place the stars down first and discuss the sounds. The rest of the Christmas tree pieces are shuffled and
the child has to sort through the pieces, identifying the initial sounds and placing it under the correct star.
More Blends and Digraph Resources:
- 50+ Blends and Digraphs Low-Prep Games
- Blends and Digraphs Spelling Chart
- SH and CH Digraph Game
- Digraph Sorting Pictures
- Initial and Final Blends Spelling Mats
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~Becky
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