lesson
A familiar sound can have a surprising spelling
1 · Learn
In scheme and school, ch represents a /k/ sound. In chef and machine, ch represents a /sh/ sound. Words can keep spellings connected with their history.
In young, touch and trouble, ou represents an /u/ sound. Read the whole word, notice the unusual part, and practise it in a sentence instead of assuming one letter group always has one sound.
2 · Worked example
I hear /sh/ in machine, but its spelling uses ch. I mark that part as the bit I need to remember.
3 · Your turn
Which letter pair gives the /sh/ sound in chef? Spell touch and trouble from memory, then check.
Check your answer
Ch. Compare your spelling with t-o-u-c-h and t-r-o-u-b-l-e.
4 · Apply your learning
With an adult, collect examples from reading and check their pronunciation in a suitable dictionary. Keep word meanings beside the spellings.
Adult guidance and safety
Read and discuss whole books, poems and plays alongside these original short models. Give evidence for interpretations and accept well-supported alternatives. Revisit spelling and handwriting over time; retain individual decoding support where needed.
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