On the board, write out several common blends and a word that goes along with them. For example, you could write “bl” and “blend,” “black,” “blink,” or “cr” and “crow,” “cry,” and “crab. ” After you show several examples, ask students to help you come up with a word for each blend. Create a game out of it so your students are excited to think up new examples. If your students have a hard time thinking of new examples, provide hints about words you have in mind, such as visual cues.
Your students should know basic consonant sounds before moving on to blends. Remind them about the difference between hard and soft “c”, and explain that when “c” is before “l”, it will be hard. If they are having trouble, fully review consonant sounds before teaching blends. Students usually have an easier time starting with blends that begin words. Start with those, and work your way up to blends found at the end of words.
You can purchase consonant blend flashcards online or make your own.
s+t+ r = str s+p+r = spr
For example, you could demonstrate “ch” by pretend sneezing and making an “achoo” noise. You could say “Shhh” as in “be quiet” to teach the “sh” blend.
Make a space on your chart for many common blends like “tr,” “fl,” and “gr,”. You may want to include consonant blends that occur at the ends of words as well, like “ck,” “rd,” and “sp. ”
You could also have them cut pictures out of magazines to use as illustrations.
For example, they might collect scissors to go with “sc” or a chair to go with “ch”. This activity may be most effective for small classes.
Choose videos that are short enough to hold young students’ interest. Discuss the video after watching. This will help students retain the information.
Run a Google search to find games, or head straight for a tried and true one like Fuzz Bugs Farm.
This may also help you identify students that are having trouble grasping the concept of consonant blends.
