Decoding the Sounds of WH

Jul 29, 2023

3 min read

The letters wh can make two different sounds.

First, they can make the /w/ sound. Depending on your accent, you may hear a difference between the sound the letters wh make (sometimes it is called the /hw/ sound) and the sound the letter w makes.

Historically, people did pronounce the letters wh and w differently. Today, most people cannot hear a difference.

Introducing the Sounds of WH

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letters making the /w/ sound.

Less commonly, the letters wh can also make the /h/ sound.

Look at the words below. Pay attention to the letters making the /h/ sound.

Practice the Sounds of WH

The best way we can remember the sounds letters make is to practice. Our Learning to Read workbook has cards you can use to practice with the sounds of the letters wh. You can also make your own notecards to practice letters and sounds. Just a few minutes of practice a day will make a huge difference!

Reading Words

Congratulations! You can now read more words! You can practice reading the words on the chart.

Writing Practice

You can also practice writing words with the letters wh. Make sure you follow explicit handwriting instructions to ensure you are writing efficiently. Writing efficiently is a huge part of building writing stamina.

Video Guidance

Check out our video about the letters wh!

You can use this video to prepare for a lesson with your student, or your student can work with the video independently.

LEARNING TO DECODE PROGRAM

Take your learning to the next level with our Learning to Read Workbook!

Learning to read is a systematic process that requires explicit instruction. Our learning to read program breaks down every sound students need to know to learn how to read. Every step of the program includes picture examples, sound practice, reading practice, and writing practice.

The best part of the program is that anyone who is a competent reader can help a student through the program. Use our webpages, videos, and the pages in the workbook to guide your student’s learning. Students work through the program at their own pace. This is a perfect supplement to what students are learning in school.