Definition of Trigraphs
In English grammar, a trigraph is a group of three letters that represents a single sound or phoneme. These are used to represent sounds that cannot be represented using a single letter or a combination of two letters.
Examples of Trigraphs
For example, the trigraph “tch” is often used to represent the sound /tʃ/ as in the word “watch.” Other example in English include “dge” as in “badge,” “nge” as in “range,” and “igh” as in “light.” T are used in spelling to help represent the sounds of spoken English more accurately.
Beginning Trigraphs
Here are a few examples can be found at the beginning of English words:
“scr” as in “screw”
“spr” as in “spring”
“str” as in “string”
“squ” as in “square”
“thr” as in “thrill”
“shr” as in “shrug”
Please note that these are just a few examples and that there are many others that can be found at the beginning of English words.
Ending Trigraphs
Here are a few examples that can be found at the end of English words:
“tch” as in “batch”
“dge” as in “badge”
“nge” as in “range”
“igh” as in “sigh”
“ugh” as in “cough”
Trigraphs Word List
Here is a list of English words:
Batch
Beach
Badge
Brunch
Bridge
Catch
Ditch
Fetch
Hatch
Latch
Match
Nudge
Patch
Pitch
Ridge
Sigh
Smudge
Switch
Thatch
Watch
Trigraphs Anchor Chart
An anchor chart is a visual display that is used as a teaching tool in classrooms. It is typically a large poster or other visual display that is created and displayed in the classroom to help students learn and understand a concept. Here is an example of an anchor chart:
Tips for using trigraphs
Pay attention to the vowel sound in the word to help you know which trigraph to use.
Practice reading and spelling words to improve your skills.
Look for patterns in words with trigraphs to help you remember them.
This is just one example of an anchor chart. The specific content and layout of an anchor chart may vary depending on the needs of the students and the goals of the lesson.
You can also learn Digraphs from here.
Creating Trigraphs Worksheet
Here is a simple worksheet you can use to help students practice:
Write a list of common English words that contain trigraphs on the board. Examples include: “edge,” “high,” “catch,” “knight,” “enough,” “bough,” “though.”
Have students take turns reading the words aloud. As they do, point to the trigraphs in each word and have them say the sound that the trigraph represents.
Give students a list of words without trigraphs, such as “cat,” “dog,” “sun,” “fun,” and “moon.” Have them work in pairs or small groups to come up with as many words as they can that contain the same as the words on the board. For example, for “cat” they may come up with “hat,” “rat,” “bat,” etc.
Next, have students write sentences that include at least one of the trigraph words, and read them aloud.
As an example:
“Smith and Joe caught a gigantic fish with a big hook, then they thought it was more than enough”
For an extra practice give them a word which contain trigraph and ask to form a new word by changing the trigraph.
Finally, have students work on a word search puzzle where they have to find and circle words.
This worksheet is not limited to english and you can use the same format to teach and or learn in other languages.
How to Assess Trigraphs in Reading
There are several ways to assess students’ understanding and ability to use when reading:
Oral reading assessment: Have students read aloud a passage or a list of words that contain trigraph. As they read, listen for their ability to correctly pronounce the trigraph and identify any errors. You can also use this method to assess their fluency and comprehension.
Written assessment: Give students a passage or a list of words that contain trigraphs and have them underline or circle the it. Then, have them write sentences using some of the words with the trigraph, assesses not only their understanding but also their ability to use them in context.
Dictation assessment: Write a list of words that contain trigraph and have students write them down as you say them. This will assess their spelling and writing, and their listening skills.
Comprehension Assessment: Provide passages that contain trigraphs and have students answer questions about what they’ve read. You can also ask students to identify trigraphs in context.
Word-Trigraph match: provide students a list of words on one column and trigraphs on another, ask them to match them.
In all cases, it’s important to provide feedback and support to help students improve their understanding and use.